Post 77 hosts annual Memorial Day services

RAYNE - In additional to remembering those who gave the ultimate sacrifice while protecting freedom around the world, veterans and Auxiliary members of Arceneaux Post 77 of the American Legion who have passed on during the past year were honored during the 2016 annual Memorial Day Memorial Program held Sunday, May 29, at the Arceneaux Post 77 Legion Home.
Chairman Ray Olinger welcomed the large crowd in attendance, including family members of the late Legionnaires and Auxiliaries.
Also welcomed were the Myers and Guidry Gold Star family members, relatives of soldiers who were killed or were MIA’s of past wars. It was also noted by Auxiliary President Bonnie Simon, she herself a Gold Star Sister having lost a brother in war, that Rayne is still home to one Gold Star Mother, Marie Broussard.
The opening prayer was given by Auxiliare Peggy Fontenot, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, led by Legionnaire John Quebodeaux.
Post 77 Commander David Simon noted the empty place setting near the MIA chair and flag, explaining the significance of each object. Simon reminded all of those lost on foreign lands and who are buried on other continents.
Legionnaire Robert Comeaux recited the names of Legion members who had died since the 2015 Memorial Day service, while Commander Simon toiled a bell for each veteran named, including Willie L. Leger, Austin Trahan, Jasper Paul Johnson, Harry Lee “Pete” Melancon, Orise Boudreaux, Larry James Smith, Wilson Thibodeaux, and Daniel Nicholas “Nappy” Landry Jr.
Auxiliare Louise Thibodeaux read the names of Leola Leger and Louella Menard, the two members of Unit 77 Auxiliary who have passed on since last year’s Memorial Day program.
For the morning program, Chairman Olinger read a letter written by Gold Star Mother Elizabeth A. Beard of Iota. The moving letter was written following the 2004 death of her son, Spc. Bradley S. Beard, and reflected her heart-felt feelings when she received the news of his death.
Seventh District Commander Joe Monroe reminded everyone to “remember our fallen comrades who gave the ultimate sacrifice.”
He also noted the 80,000 MIA’s unaccounted for to date. “Please pray for their souls and for the strength of their families. It is our hope they come back home,” he said.
During the solemn ceremony, Auxiliare Joyce Lyons placed a traditional poppy wreath atop a simple white wooden cross topped by a soldier’s helmet while the trumpet rendition of “Taps” was given by Dallas Matte of Post 225, Church Point, former Past District Commander.
Chaplain Comeaux gave the closing prayer and those in attendance were invited to enjoy refreshments provided by the local Woodmen of the World.