St. Charles Parish is honoring its veterans with a special luncheon held by Parish President Matthew Jewell and Sheriff Greg Champagne. The event is scheduled for November 7, at the Edward A. Dufresne Community Center, signaling a continued tradition of recognizing those who have served in the military. The Edward A. Dufresne Community Center is located at 274 Judge Edward Dufresne Parkway in Luling, and the luncheon will follow a brief program starting at 11:30 a.m. in the gymnasium, as announced on the St. Charles Parish official website.
Veterans residing in St. Charles Parish and their spouses are invited to participate, and the luncheon will serve as an opportunity not just for recognition but for fellowship and community solidarity the brief program, which precedes the meal, intends to honor the sacrifices and commitments made by local service members. This year's event is particularly notable as U.S. Navy veteran and current Superintendent of the St. Charles Parish Public School System, Dr. Ken Oertling, will be the honored guest speaker; bringing a synergy of military experience and educational leadership to the festivities.
According to the St. Charles Parish announcement, this event is a longstanding tradition aimed at acknowledging the dedication and service of veterans within the community. The annual Veterans Day Luncheon offers a space for reflection, honor, and gratitude, all encapsulated within the shared meal and words spoken during the program—drawing veterans closer to the heart of the parish they once served on a broader scale.
Contact with the broader legacy of military service may echo through Dr. Oertling's speech, and while details of his address remain undisclosed, the expectation is set for a message that resonates with the shared experiences of those in attendance. Both Jewell and Champagne, as hosts, underscore the importance of such events within St. Charles Parish, illustrating an ongoing commitment to not forgetting those who have worn the uniform and ensuring that their contributions to the nation's safety and freedom are remembered and respected, a commitment shared by local leadership and community members alike.
