Louisiana remembers, and honors service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice on this Memorial Day.
The state’s full House of Representatives, with help from the Marine Corps Band, held a “Ceremony of Remembrance” before breaking for the long holiday weekend.
New Orleans Rep. Nick LoRusso, who also serves as a Lt. Col. with the Army’s Judge Advocate General Office, served as host, “To honor all of our fallen dead.”
LoRusso began the ceremony by calling forward all House members who had served in the military, and then announced, “Since last Memorial Day, Louisiana has not lost a single military member in combat.”
He noted that hasn’t always been the case, and in particular invited remembrance of those who served in Vietnam – a 20-year-long conflict that ended 40 years ago this spring.
A lone trumpeter played “Taps.”
“On the black granite wall in Washington, D.C., there are the names of 885 Louisiana citizens: from Sgt. Richard Abshire of Abbeville to PFC Richard Remedies of Zwolle,” LoRusso said, solemnly. “I ask that you remember them, and not let them be forgotten.”
One name on “The Wall” stands out: Lt. Doug Fournet, a native of Kinder, and a graduate of McNeese State University.
“On May 4, 1968, while advancing uphill against fortified enemy positions, Lt. Fournet’s platoon encountered intense sniper fire,” LoRusso read. “He then discovered an enemy claymore mine blocking their route of advance.
“Lt. Fournet ordered his men to take cover and ran uphill towards the mine — carrying his fighting knife and 193 years of Army pride. He tried to cut the control wires to the mine, but unfortunately it detonated, killing Lt. Fournet instantly. Five soldiers nearest the mine were slightly wounded, but 1st Lt. Fournet’s heroic and unselfish act saved the lives of his men.”
LoRusso and more than a few of his fellow veteran-legislators unashamedly wiped tears from their eyes, as LoRusso finished his praise of Lt. Doug Fournet.
“He became the only Louisianian to be posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War.”
Today, please join me in offering heartfelt thanks to these — and all the other — brothers and sisters in arms. – Sue Lincoln, U.S. Army, 1974-75