The Centennial Cultural Center in downtown Olla hosted their annual Memorial Day Program on Sunday, May 26, to remember those who gave their lives in military service and to honor the family of Air Force Veteran, the late Rodger Bratton. Serving as the Master of Ceremony was Bro. Scott Smith, Pastor of Tullos First Baptist Church.
Bro. Scott opened the program with a word of welcome and invocation. Members of the VFW Veterans Honor Guard Post 5002 posted the colors and assembled the Soldiers’ Cross – a Tribute to Fallen Comrades. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Troop 14 member Nathan Richard and Pack 14 member Abby Richard.
The National Anthem was sung by Caleb Parker, and Reagan Franklin sang “God Bless America.” Several local youth offered readings, starting with “The Fallen Soldiers Table” read by Troop 14 member Seth Richard, and “Because of You, Unknown Soldier” was read by Korbin Hitzeman.
Troop 14 member Valcom Patton read “A Patriotic Poem” and LaSalle High School student Stephen Fowler recited “Freedom Isn’t Free.”
Delivering the keynote speech was Representative, District 20, Louisiana House of Representatives, Neil Riser, who encouraged listeners to memorialize their loved ones as he had – by telling their stories from generation to generation. “Memorial Day, as we know, is a day to remember those who have given their lives in service. When I think back, I remember so many from where I grew up who served and didn’t come home. It is so important that we tell their stories, especially to young people, so that they can know its people that we knew that gave their lives,” he continued. “Tomorrow, we need to honor them by telling their stories to our families. They are memorialized when their stories go on from family member to family member. This will ensure that we don’t forget their sacrifice.”
Janet Cassels Bratton, wife of Rodger Bratton, offered a tribute to the program’s honored veteran, recalling her late husband’s love of God, family and country. “Rodger was a unique individual, and when you met him, you never forgot him. He believed in God, that our country is the greatest on earth, that a man should work hard and whatever he does and he believed in being on time for everything! He was a mentor to many young people in and out of the Air Force,” she continued. “He was a devoted family man, a devoted member of our church and a patriot who loved his country. We will miss him every day.”
The Veterans Honor Guard then returned for the folding of the flag and explained the special meaning for each of the thirteen folds. Following a benediction prayer by Bro. Cory Fowler, Pastor of Pinehill Baptist Church, attendees stepped outside to join the Honor Guard in remembering fallen comrades with a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps.
