The official dedication of the Fallen Heroes Memorial took placeFriday, May 24, at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Slidell.
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Daniele Palen, Director of the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, at the podium welcomes all those in attedance.
The cemetery is located in the northeast quadrant of the Interstate 12/ Airport Road intersection west of Slidell.
Map showing location of Heroes Farewell Memorial
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The memorial honors all of our Fallen Heroes from Iraq and Afghanistan who have sacrificed so much for us in the Global War On Terror (GWOT).
Well over 100 people attended the memorial dedication, including many officials with the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs and Louisiana National Guard.
The memorial was a project of the St. Tammany Veterans Foundation, Inc. (STVF). Lane Carson, President of the group, is shown at the podium.
Gold Star Parents Unveiling of the Monument
The Presentation of the National Guard Plaque
At left, Secretary of the Louisiana Dept. of Veterans Affairs Charlton Meginley
A number of other dignitaries and speakers were recognized
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Little Miss Poppy Madelyn and Cecilia Ogden (Robert H. Burns American Legion Post 16 Jr. Auxiliary)
The Northshore Honor Guard and St. Tammany Veterans Honor Guard advanced the colors at the beginning of the program, and two members of the North Cross Methodist Church Choir sang the national anthem as well as "God Bless America."
Daniele Palen, Director of the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, and Ted Krumm, the Cemetery Director of the Louisiana Dept. of Veterans Affairs, gave the welcome. Speakers included Matt Cole, Sharon and Danny McLeese, and Gina Guillory as well as other Gold Star/Blue Star Parents. Special guests included La. Dept. of Veterans Affairs Secretary Charlton Meginley and Col. Jesse Barth of the La. National Guard.
As the names of the Fallen Heroes were read off...
Dogtags of each individual service member was placed on the monument to the accompaniment of "Amazing Grace" played on the bagpipes by Steve Brownlee
The Carillon Bell Tower in the background was donated by AMVETS
Parish President Mike Cooper took part in the placement of the dogtags
Pastor John Chetta of the North Cross Methodist Church
delivered the invocation and benediction
Commemorative bricks were sold to help fund the memorial project
Afterwards, a reception was held at the Administration Building
Video of Memorial Dedication
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The Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Slidell
The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs operates five veterans cemeteries located across the state, offering a variety of burial options for veterans, spouses and dependent children. Each location features spacious grounds, covered shelter for committal services, and are open Monday through Friday for interments with visitation open daily.
Front Entrance Gate
The Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery opened in June of 2014 and has quickly become the fastest growing state veteran cemetery in Louisiana. As initial burial sites are occupied, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Cemetery Administration provides grants to add additional burial space.
At the entrance stands the Carillon Bell Tower which was donated by AMVETS when the cemetery first opened. The bell tower is located in Memorial Circle where there is also a wall to honor the groups who donate their time and attention to the cemetery.
A large fountain located near the committal shelter was donated by the Knights of Columbus.
