A solemn Memorial Day Program hosted by the Robert H. Burns American Legion Post No. 16 was held Monday morning, May 26, 2025, in front of the St. Tammany Justice Center. Around 150 people attended.
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Dennis Charlesworth, First Vice Commander for the Post, served as Master of Ceremonies. He explained the message behind Memorial Day and hoped that future generations will be taught to remember this day.
From left to right:
Ignatius DeSandro gave the invocation, 1st Vice Commander Dennis Charlesworth and Emily Vennen who sang the Star Spangled Banner
Post Commander Malcolm Maginnis Jr. welcomed those present. He said those honored on Memorial Day not only includes those who lost their lives while in the service, but also all those who died after their active duty was over. He recalled the sacrifices made by the original colonists militia in the first battles against the British during the American Revolution, now known as the "Shot Heard Around The World."
He encouraged the young people of today to donate a couple of hours of their free time each week to the service of their community.
Guest speakers from left to right: John M. Schroder Sr., Parish Councilman Larry Rolling, and Covington City Council President Mark Verrett, who is also President of the Covington Heritage Foundation
Rolling was representing Parish President Mike Cooper, and Verrett was standing in for Mayor Mark Johnson of Covington. Verrett invited everyone there to enjoy the special luncheon being held at city hall after the day's program.
Schroder was the main speaker. A former narcotics detective and Covington businessman, he also served as state treasurer for seven years, as well as a state representative. He told about the importance of Memorial Day, honoring all those who served from all walks of life and were willing to lay down their lives so that others could live free.
Click on the above play triangle to hear a recording of Schroder's speech
Ken Diebold salutes the POW/MIA Chair, left,
and 103-year-old veteran Jim Robinson, right, was the oldest veteran in attendance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Madelyn Ogden and Cecilia Ogden
The Advancement of Colors was performed by the St. Tammany Veterans Honor Guard
The American Heritage Girls gave the Pledge of Allegiance in sign language
The Laying of the Wreaths before the Armed Service Memorials
The playing of "Taps"
The Rifle Salute and Playing of Taps were performed by the St. Tammany Veterans Honor Guard
Other guest speakers included Lisa Vennen of the Ladies Auxiliary who told about the "Wreaths Across America" program and Bonnie Dennis of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Others recognized for their contributions to the St. Tammany veterans community included Lane Carson, local VFW Post representatives, Matt Cole with the Justin McLeese Marine Corps League, and the members of the Pierre deMarigny Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
The program for the event
Thanked for their help in putting on the Memorial Day Program was Boy Scout Troop 160 and the Covington Fire Department.
Afterwards, a special ceremony took place at the gravesite of Robert H. Burns, the Post's namesake, in Covington Cemetery No. 1
Veterans Appreciation Reception
After the Memorial Day program, participants were invited to a special luncheon hosted by the City of Covington and the Covington Heritage Foundation
Also at the Memorial Day program were several information displays on services and organizations of interest to veterans.
The Equine Reflections Therapeutic Center
"Rescue Horses Rescue People"
The American Legion Display Table
The Covington City Fire Department also brought their ladder truck with the huge American Flag
One of the Quilts of Valor
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