2015 Salute to Veterans event promises new lively performances, focus on impact of war on families

The 2015 Iberville Salute to Veterans event promises to be the most entertaining and impactful in its eight year history, as the parish’s annual tribute to veterans focuses on the impact of service on families.

The Salute to Veterans is set for Wednesday, November 11, at the Iberville Veterans Memorial, at 23640 Railroad Avenue in Plaquemine. Ceremonies begin at 3:30 p.m. The Iberville Wall of Veterans and equipment display will open for viewing at 2:30 p.m. This event is sponsored annually by Iberville Parish President J. Mitchell Ourso, Jr. and the Iberville Parish Council.

Involvement by area and school groups is at an all time high this year, which promises to add to the excitement of the event. Among those performing are the Iberville Math, Science & Arts (MSA) Academy Orchestra, the Plaquemine High School Marching Band, three choirs – the MSA Showstoppers, St. John Choir and Unique Visions Gospel Choir, the Baton Rouge Pipes & Drums bagpipe group, and the Simms Sons.

In addition, the PHS ROTC drill team will perform, along with dance performances by the Peggy Grant School of Dance, MSA Excalibur Dance Team, St. John Eaglettes, Jess Dance, and PHS Dazzlers.

Iberville is honored this year to have unique speakers who will address the focus of this year’s event - the effect of war on families. They include Cathy Rushing of the Gold Star Mothers of Louisiana, an organization of mothers who have lost a child in service; Janet Broussard of the Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana, an organization of mothers that have children in active service; and Tanya Whitney of the Wounded Warrior Project, an organization that assists veterans who were wounded in service.

The event will also feature the addition of another board of veteran photos to the Iberville Wall of Veterans, along with military equipment display. The Iberville Wall of Veterans, unique in all of Louisiana, now features the photos of some 1,300 area veterans. Military Color Guards for various military branches will be participating in the ceremonies. And a heart-warming and fun ending of the event is in store for those who attend.

The public is encouraged to attend this free event.