Iberia Parish Memorial Day Remembrance Program

IBERIA PARISH, La. (KLFY) — Holding its annual Memorial Day Ceremony, the Iberia Veterans Association honors fallen soldiers in Downtown New Iberia.

Percy Barrilleaux, an Army Veteran and President of the Iberia Veterans Association, says this is necessary to remind people the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day.

“A lot of people mistake Veterans Day and Memorial Day,” explained Barrilleaux. “Veterans Day is more for us that is still living, but Memorial is for those that are gone.”

Remembering soldiers who made the sacrifice to protect our freedoms, New Iberia Mayor Freddie Decourt shared with people the number of fallen New Iberia servicemen and women.

“It’s 1,000,308 souls,” said Decourt. “Heros that never returned. Heros made the ultimate sacrifice. And of 1,000,308 souls, we have the distinction of having 129 on the wall of our Veterans Memorial.”

A proud Army Veteran, Iberia Parish President Larry Richard continues the memorial program by reminding everyone of the real reason they are there to celebrate.

“Memorial Day is a time of reflection, a moment to recognize the true cost of freedom and to remember those who gave everything for the second,” Richard said.