Nov. 10, 2017 will mark the official ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony of the Louisiana Veterans Memorial Park in Baton Rouge, only minutes from Louisiana’s State Capitol. Through SCR 60, the grounds around the Old Arsenal Museum will be designated as the Louisiana Veterans Memorial Park.
Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Joey Strickland noted that the park will be the first on state property to recognize the hundreds of thousands of Louisianans who have served, been wounded, or killed in action while serving in the United States Military. The park will be dedicated to the preservation of their sacrifice.
“We have so much to cherish because our veterans answered our country’s call to serve,” said Gov. John Bel Edwards. “While we can never fully repay them for their sacrifice, dedicating this special state land is one of the many ways we can show our appreciation. As a veteran, I know this gesture has special meaning to me and my family.”
The former Old Arsenal Park will recognize the brave men and women who have served their country with dignity and distinction. Their stories will be preserved and shared through a series of military memorabilia, and this will be a place for veterans and their families to gather and reconnect with fellow military families.
“Our veterans deserve our deepest respect and this park will serve as a symbol to generations in the future of the service of their ancestors to protect our nation and her values. We will work to ensure this park is a great success and can be enjoyed by all Louisiana residents and our visitors from around the world.” Lt Gov Billy Nungesser.
“The personal stories of the more than 332,000 Louisiana veterans who served during WWI, WWII, the Korean War, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan deserve to have a place to be remembered by our grateful state, and this park, in their honor, will do just that,” said Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Joey Strickland.
Hundreds of people from around the state are expected to attend the ribbon cutting and dedication ceremonies, including Purple Heart recipients and their families, service men and women from across generations and branches of service, Gold Star families, and veteran organizations.
The day’s events include the official ribbon cutting and dedication of the Louisiana Veterans Memorial Park, performances by the 156th United States Army Band from Bossier City, and remarks by Gov. John Bel Edwards, Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Joey Strickland, and Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome.