Harlan Kirgan
Veterans were honored in a ceremony Monday at the VFW Post 8971 highlighted by each veteran invited to state their name and service.
The event was moved indoors this year because of rain and chilly temperatures. The participants were served gumbo by the Eunice High FFA chapter members before returning outside.
Patricia Mason-Guillory, a veterans advocate from Opelousas and the organizer of a memorial there, was the featured speaker.
“These men and women left their safety, their comfort to place themselves in the front lines and on battlefields in order that we have the freedom that we have today,” she said.
“They did not ask if the task was going to be easy. They gave of themselves in the belief they were defending liberty. These are our veterans,” she said.
“Ladies and gentlemen, our motto is that we must never forget. We must continue to educate our young children so that they will know what our veterans did for us. And, I’m so proud this morning to see our young students perform and know the meaning of a veteran,” Mason-Guillory said.
Besides the FFA, members of the Eunice High School band performed and Troop 425 Scouts presented the flag.
“Young people, these men and women have paid the way for us so we are hoping that you will never forget the sacrifices they have made,” she said. “Not only the sacrifices they have made, but for their families. We must never forget the families of those who served our country or those who are serving and those that gave the ultimate sacrifice.”
Also speaking were two Glendale Elementary School students, Conner Faul and Woodrow Bergeron.
Faul said, “Veterans are brave and have a lot of courage. They show patriotism and citizenship. They sacrifice a lot to serve our country. Veterans help keep us safe and make sure we are free. Sometimes they have to be away from their families to do their work.”
Faul concluded with, “Next time you see or meet a veteran, tell them ‘thank you’ for their service to our country.”
Bergeron said, “Those of us who have not served will never fully understand the sacrifices you have made both in times of peace and of war. We will never fully understand what you are required to do or how you were able to do it. We will never fully understand the depth of your scars.”
He concluded with, “We recognize your humanity and we send you love that is gentle, patient and healing. With blessings and gratitude we ask that you remember you are loved.”
Also speaking was state Rep. Phillip DeVillier, R-Eunice, who noted the origins of the ceremony.
“In 1918 on the 11th month on the 11th day at the 11th hour, an armistice was declared between the allied nations and Germany in World War I. This eventually ended the Great War and later became known as Veterans Day. Today, on the 100th anniversary of our Veterans Day, we live in a society of partisanship and division,” he said.
“Let Veterans Day be a renewed reminder of the men and women who worked side by side not concerned about race, political party or gender to accomplish a common goal, our freedom.”
Eunice Mayor Scott Fontenot said if not for the service of veterans, “we would not be free today.”