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Bogalusa’s Memorial Day service, as annual presented by Magic City Post No. 24, Louisiana Department of the American Legion, has been scheduled this year for 11 a.m. on Monday, May 30. Post members provided the following statement:

Because of the extreme late afternoon heat which Nature imposed on last year’s program and upon those who faithfully attended, our officers selected this midmorning hour for this year’s service and hope that it will allow more comfort and will fit in with your schedules. This service will be held at the Veterans’ plot at the east side of Ponemah Cemetery in Bogalusa.

Please remember that Memorial Day is not a celebration of war but is a moment set aside for remembering and giving thanks for the sacrifices that enabled the people of America, this Favored Land, to retain the freedom envisioned by our founders who pledged “our lives, our fortunes, and our Sacred Honor.” This is the freedom which we all enjoy in going to work, sending our children to school, in worshipping in a church of our choice, or simply in breathing in the fresh air of liberty.

It has been preserved for us by the likes of those who rest in the quiet and dignity of the cemetery where our service will be held. And its opposite, its evil contrast, has been tragically demonstrated for us in recent months on the other side of the world.

We extend thanks to Lt. Col. Rashann Harris and to the Bogalusa Daily News (May 21 weekend edition) for making us all aware of the very excellent progress being made by the Bogalusa High School’s Jr. ROTC Program, as evidenced by the fact that once again both the Valedictorian and Salutatorian of this year’s graduating class are members of the Lumberjack Battalion. And we are very proud that this year’s Memorial Day Ceremony will include something very new — a presentation by the Jr. ROTC members reminding us of the background and symbolic significance of “The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.”

Keeping these thoughts in mind, we invite you to join us on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, at 11 a.m., and to share with us that day’s brief interval of reverence, remembrance and thanks.

Lest we forget … lest we forget.

Support the Voiture 1360 40&8 and memorialize your loved ones

Display your loved ones’ name(s) on the “Soldier Silhouettes” during the Memorial Day celebration for $25. These silhouettes will be on display that day along with the loved ones’ name, branch, years of service and rank. The Voiture 1360 40&8 sponsors nursing scholarships, flags for first graders, the Ponemah Wreath Society, Boys and Girls State and many other programs in the community.

For more information, contact Bobby Latino at 985-516-0055, Donnie Kuhn at 985-516-9927, Mike Henley at 985-515-0184, or Jimmy Burdette at 713-817-5133.