By Kimberly Hopson

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – United States Navy veteran Joe Murray led the colorguard Friday morning to begin the annual Memorial Day breakfast at Knights of Columbus Council Hall 5935 on Friday morning.

Organized and presented by the Get High on Life ministry, the breakfast was organized to honor military personnel and veterans of war from all decades. Current and former service members were asked to stand for recognition, and a live band played the theme song of the branch of military in which they served.

District Attorney Tom Daley led the Pledge of Allegiance, and other public figures, such as Parish President Natalie Robottom, were present to honor the men and women.

“I’m not a hero, but to be here with you all today — to be with the real heroes — is exciting to me,” said Harold Keller, head of Get High on Life, during his introduction at the program.

Dozens of area veterans attended the event, which was open to the public and is generally held the Friday before Memorial Day. Other Memorial Days activities included the planting of American flags at local cemeteries, an event at the Southeast Louisiana War Veterans Home in Reserve Friday afternoon and a hot dog and hamburger fundraiser today at Supreme Ford in LaPlace for the American Legion.