Veterans from across St. John the Baptist Parish are being welcomed with open arms to the 10th Annual St. John the Baptist Parish Veterans Luncheon, which takes place at 11 a.m. July 3 at the Louisiana Army National Guard Readiness Center in Reserve.

Thank you St. John officials for putting this special event on each year and going the extra mile with a special video tribute.

St. John leaders have honored local military members for the past two years by preparing a video adorned with pictures of fallen service members. This traditional video is shown at the luncheon, live on the Independence Day broadcast and on St. John’s website and Facebook page.

“Residents are asked to assist with the video by submitting photos of local veterans and service members,” parish officials ask. “Photos in military uniforms are requested. Black-and-white and color photos will be accepted, but high-resolution digital files are preferred.”

Organizers stress original photos can be accepted but become the property of St. John the Baptist Parish.

Those who submit the photos are asked to include the veteran’s name, rank and branch of the service with the photo, as well as the contact information and name of the family member submitting the photo.

Photographs submitted in the last two years do not have to be submitted again.

All entries should be turned in by 4 p.m. June 19. Photos can be emailed to communications@sjbparish.com or mailed to St. John Communications Department Attn: Veterans Tribute, 1801 W. Airline Hwy, LaPlace, LA 70068.

The Veterans Luncheon and accompanying video tribute are wonderful yearly “thank yous” to the men and women of our armed forces who gave so much for this country. Our gratitude is only enhanced by the community’s contributions.