St. Landry Parish celebrates Memorial Day with ‘We Must Never Forget’

OPELOUSAS, La. ( KLFY ) – People gathered at the Yambilee Building to honor and remember those veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

The Memorial Day ceremony “We Must Never Forget” included patriotic songs, reading the names of veterans who died in service and the recognition of Gold Star mothers and families.

Merrell Burleigh is also an Army Veteran serving from 1960-1964. “We were getting ready to go fight Cuba and they backed out. Truly, we were getting ready to load the train. That was something,” Burleigh said.

Army Veteran Francis Singleton recalls his experience in Vietnam. “I was in Vietnam for 10 months and 23 days, made it back, got shot at one time when I had seven days left. I got sniper fire, but I made it back,” Singleton stated.

Burleigh says Memorial Day is about the men and women who served and fought for this country. “I volunteered to fight for this country when I was young. I love this country. I would fight again but I’ve got too old,” Merrell added.

Latest Stories

• Ragin’ Cajuns, Longhorns wrap up opening day of Bryan-College Station Regional
• Watch: Iceland volcano shoots red streams of lava, threatens evacuated town
• Here’s what happens if the jury doesn’t agree in the Trump trial
• FAFSA, job market pose major challenges for colleges despite enrollment gains
• What words do Louisianans have the hardest time spelling?

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLFY.com.