The Sabine Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution hosted the rededication of the Veterans Park in Many at 2:00 pm on November 11. Despite the rainy conditions, a crowd gathered to the welcoming sound of live music in the Park located on Mississippi Street.
Mrs. Katie Lombardino, Sabine Chapter Regent, presided over the ceremony. Local Veterans along with members of the community helped make the ceremony as success. Mr. Dean Crittenden led the opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America was led by U.S. Navy Veteran Moe Gulett, and Mr. Buster Jordan led the National Anthem.
Mrs. Lombardino welcomed all and acknowledged the elected officials who were present. The rededication of the park was conducted in grateful recognition of the service of Veterans of Sabine Parish. Tribute was paid to all men and women who have served our country with integrity and devotion. Mr. Larry Alford, Mr. Sylvester Martinez, and Mr. Freddie Grappe, members of the Patriot Guard Riders, raised the new flag and Taps was played. Mr. Buster Jordan followed with America the Beautiful.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of the DAR Community Service Award to Mr. Larry Alford, U.S. Army Veteran. Mr. Alford led the efforts to restore the Veterans Park by coordinating with the Town of Many and the street crew along with members of the community who generously gave of their time and services to see this project completed.
Sabine Chapter DAR spearheaded the fundraising efforts of the project. A 25-foot aluminum flagpole was installed from which a heavy duty 3x5 American Flag is proudly flown. The flag pole is visible from Church Street thus drawing more attention to the established park. The park honors all men and women from Sabine Parish who served in the United States Military.
Sabine Chapter DAR extends grateful appreciation to those who gave so generously to the project.
Blue Star donors – giving $250 dollars or more include: In Honor of Robert Kenneth Freeman, Navy Donor: Mary Ellen and Ken Freeman In Honor of Walter Clark Snyder, Navy Donor: Mary Ellen and Ken Freeman In Honor of Robert Robert Geoghagan, Army Donor: Geoghagan Properties In Memory of Charles R. Davidson, Air Force Donor: Jeffrey Davidson In Memory of John Phillips Godfrey, Army Donor: John P. Godfrey In Memory of Charles Miller, Army Donor: Lina & Dan
Alford In Memory of H. Wallace Swanstrom, Army Laura Alford and Mark Swanstrom White Star donors – giving $100 dollars:
In Memory of Earlton Allen, Army Loving wife Martha, Children and Grandchildren In Memory of Harold and Tillie Kleber Andries, Army Mary Beth Tarver In Memory of Allen G. Lewing, Jr., Air Force Cindy and Rex Wright In Honor of Jeffrey C. Malley, Air Force Jennie N. Ogden In Memory of Kenneth C. Nichols, Navy Jennie N. Ogden In Memory of Billy Wayne Sepeda, Army Zach Faircloth In Memory of Van T. Buck Tarver, Jr., Army Shirley T. Salley Red Star donations – donors gave $50 dollars to remember the following Veterans: In Honor of Dan Alford, Air Force In Honor of Kenneth Ammons, LA National Guard In Memory of Marvin S. Andes, Navy In Memory of Raymond Barnhill, Army In Honor of I.D. Bostian, Army In Memory of Tedore Dove, Army Air Forces In Memory of Paul R. Hable, Army Air Forces In Honor of Robert Hampton Hable, Army In Honor of Mike Harper, Army In Honor of John Hoagland, Air Force In Memory of William Lafitte, Army In Memory of Allen E. McGary, Jr., Navy In Memory of Bill Ross, Army In Memory of Donald W. Smith, Marine Corps In Honor of Bobby Williams, Army Air Corps