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Fallen servicemen and women honored throughout Acadiana this Memorial Day

Posted at 6:39 PM, May 28, 2018
and last updated 2018-05-28 19:39:02-04

Through prayers, stories and salutes across the nation and across Acadiana, our fallen heroes are remembered on this Memorial Day. 

"It’s about those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. It is a day for us to be thankful for those that were willing to give their lives for our freedom," says Veteran Jim Crumling, honoring those who lost their lost their lives overseas in the military. He was joined by dozens who started their day at Fountain Memorial Cemetery in Lafayette. 

Later in the day, at the Opelousas Civic Center and a bit farther south at the Breaux Bridge War Memorial Monument, veterans performed a traditional 21 gun salute and flags flew at half-staff as a tribute.

In Lafayette, at Lafayette Memorial Park, veterans brought their loved ones to pray and acknowledge the real meaning of the holiday.

"Most people think of Memorial Day as the beginning of summer or just a long weekend, we as veterans honor our fallen, those who gave all," says Veteran Charles Lasseigne.

This is a sentiment echoed by many, including U.S. Marine Scotty Weeks, who brought children and grandchildren to the service.

"My daughter growing up and my son growing up, we’ve always participated in these events the American Legion and just so they can have an appreciation of how we got here and why we’re here and have an appreciation for those who sacrificed for us," says Weeks.