[StBernard] Chalmette honors America's fallen heroes with two Memorial Day events

Westley Annis westley at da-parish.com
Tue May 28 08:59:30 EDT 2013


Chalmette honors America's fallen heroes with two Memorial Day events

wwltv.com
Posted on May 26, 2013 at 5:58 PM
Updated Sunday, May 26 at 6:01 PM

CHALMETTE, La. -- Sunday, members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars held a
tribute to those who are now buried at the Chalmette National Cemetery after
losing their lives during the Vietnam War.

As names of the fallen were read aloud, veterans lined up to ring a bell in
their honor.

"These are Americans and these are soldiers that we have that have given
their lives for us, the way we live today, what we have," said retired Maj.
Tommy Rigsby, U.S. Army.

That same message is delivered each Memorial Day weekend at Chalmette
National Cemetery, where people gather to reflect on the sacrifices made by
so many in defending this country.

The ceremony was one of two held in Chalmette on Sunday.

Across town, loved ones honored veterans now resting at St. Bernard Memorial
Gardens.

"How important is this? I mean, we wouldn't be here today were it not for
the people in the armed services that passed on and sacrificed their lives
for us," said memorial gardens manager Floyd Herty.

For Navy veteran Dennis Melancon, the events stir strong feelings of pride
and appreciation.

"To come out with family, with friends and see how everybody remembers us,
remembers the ones that have fallen already," Melancon said. "It's very,
very important to us. It's something that's gotta be done at least once a
year. It probably should be done more."





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