By LEONARD GRAY

GRAMERCY – St. James Parish gave a stellar salute to veterans at their first Veterans Day Celebration at the St. James Parish Visitors Center Monday. The evening included food, music, dance, and words to honor those who serve in the military.

Additionally, two present servicemen attended the ceremony, both from St. John the Baptist Parish – USAF Airman Travis Heltz of Reserve and U.S. Navy IT-2 James Simon of LaPlace. Parish President Dale Hymel Jr. gave opening remarks and was joined at the podium by VFW Post 5852 Commander Eugene Louque and American Legion Post 565 past commander Raymond Walters.

A musical melody of military themes, the anthems of each of the U.S. armed services, was presented by a four-man combo, including Herman Lemoine on guitar, Roy Carubba on trumpet, Merrill Gerstner on trombone and “Bucky” Roddy on drums. Under a tent, Larry Roussel offered up chicken and andouille gumbo, along with Jason Amato’s red-bean gumbo and Ferrel Zeller’s jambalaya.

The First Baptist Church Teen Choir of Vacherie presented a medley of patriotic themes, along with dance presentations of Yvonne’s Directions in Dance, the St. James Talented Music Program and the Bell Choir of St. Peter Chanel School in Paulina. The event was well-attended, despite a sudden downpour, which lasted for half of the two-hour presentation. Once it ended, though, the fireworks show by Pyrotecnico of Mandeville began, which thrilled the crowd, numbering at least 600 people.