By Robin Shannon

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Veterans across the nation and across the River Parishes were honored last Thursday for their tireless and selfless actions to protect our country and keep it the free nation it has been for more than 230 years.

Events across the area included parades, community gatherings and celebrations at the local war veterans home, but what can be considered the “best” way to honor those men and women who put their lives on the line?

Readers who logged onto lobservateur.com last week came to the conclusion that the best way to honor veterans is to keep it simple and respectful.

More than 30 percent of those who responded to the question said the best method is a simple handshake and a thank you. Another 22 percent said it is best to visit or volunteer at a veterans home, like the Southeast Louisiana War Veterans Home in Reserve.

Others said public celebrations and festivities were the best way to go. Some also said a donation to veterans-related charities can go a long way toward honoring veterans.

A full breakdown of responses follows:

• 37 percent of respondents chose “Just a simple handshake and thank you.”

• 22 percent of respondents chose “Visiting or volunteering at the Southeast Louisiana War Veterans Home.”

• 20 percent of respondents chose “Public celebrations and festivities.”

• 20 percent of respondents chose “Donations to Veterans-related charities.”

• 2 percent of respondents chose “Other.”