Parish remembers Katrina, 9/11

Thelezia Folse/Herald Guide

Officers who were present at ground zero were saluted at the Remembrance Day event.

In honor of the anniversaries of Hurricane Katrina and September 11, St. Charles Parish proclaimed Labor Day as "Remembrance Day" this year. Twelve other parishes and state officials came together in Destrehan at the Jerusalem Shrine Center on Monday.

The keynote address was given by Lieutenant Governor Jay Dardenne. Also in attendance were a fireman from the Boston Fire Department and two fire fighters from the New York Fire Department, who were all present at ground zero.

"I thought the ceremony was very moving and an appropriate tribute to the lives lost during two events our generation will always remember — 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina," said Parish President V.J. St. Pierre. "The personal testimonials of some of the first responders really made the event special."