By Kimberly Hopson
L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Residents of St. John the Baptist Parish celebrated the community’s perseverance while overcoming “the storms of life” during two commemorative ceremonies for Hurricane Isaac on Thursday.
Public officials and residents grew misty-eyed after viewing a video tribute created by LaPlace resident Darin Helm Jr., honoring the efforts of residents, parish officials, public service workers and religious organizations to assist each other in the midst of the chaos. Parish officlals also unveiled a special Hurricane Isaac memorial in front of the St. John Community Center during the afternoon service. The small plaque briefly summarizes the losses that occurred during the storm. It also commended the work of the community in helping the parish “build back better and stronger.”
Marathon Petroleum donated food and beverages for the reception that followed.
The evening service was held at New Wine Christian Fellowship in conjuction with the St. John Long Term Recovery Group. In addition to a second viewing of the video tribute, the event featured a stirring musical selection by musical evangelist Minister Charles Graham of Arkansas and a motivating sermon by Pastor Fred Luther of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church.