Sw Louisiana News

On November 11, 2024, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the Louisiana Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The event took place in Veterans Memorial Park and was attended by Mayor Nic Hunter, Senator Jeremy Stine, Dr. Jerome Buller from the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs, local officials, and members of the Mayor’s Armed Forces Commission.

The memorial will honor all 885 Vietnam War casualties from Louisiana. "Hosting this groundbreaking ceremony as part of our annual Veterans Day Ceremony was a fitting way to pay tribute to all of our veterans," stated Mayor Nic Hunter. He added that Lake Charles would be the only city in the state with an officially dedicated Louisiana Vietnam Veterans Memorial due to legislation carried by Senator Jeremy Stine.

During the ceremony, VVA Chapter 215 performed a Farewell to Warriors Ceremony. The Marine Corps League Detachment 535 provided a 21-Gun Salute, and Betsy Stoupy played Taps.

James Dodd, President of the Mayor’s Armed Forces Commission, remarked on the inclusion of this historic event in their Veterans Day programming: "It is an honor to have our beautiful Veterans Memorial Park serve as the home for this long overdue memorial for our fallen soldiers."

The project is funded through the LC REBOUND tax-neutral bond proposition approved last fall and contributions from private donors. It is scheduled for completion in March 2025 during the Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Ceremony.