The parish announced Feb. 9 that it reduced the cost of commemorative bricks at Veterans Memorial Plaza from $150 to $50. The lower cost is part of the parish’s efforts to honor veterans while celebrating America’s 250 birthday.
Parish leaders hope the lower cost will encourage more families to honor loved ones with a brick at the plaza, which is located next to the Edward A. Dufresne Community Center in Luling. The plaza opened in 2023 as a community gathering place to honor the men and women who have served the nation. The plaza includes monuments for each branch of the United States Military, a POW/MIA monument, a Purple Heart monument and a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument.
Francesca Blanchard, a spokesperson for the parish, said the parish has a long history of servicemembers who have sacrificed for our nation’s freedom. There are between 2,500 and 2,800 veterans currently living in the parish, according to the local Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. Post 3750.
“We have our own special place where our veterans and their families can gather and reflect on their service,” Blanchard said. “Our Veterans Memorial Plaza is home to only the second Gold Star Families Memorial Monument in Louisiana, thanks to the generosity of the Hue Family.”
Bricks may be purchased by a veteran or in memory of a veteran.
“We ask that veterans have some connection to St. Charles Parish – they live or lived here, were born here, or have a family member who lives here – to be honored in our Veterans Memorial Plaza,” Blanchard said.
Order forms for commemorative bricks can be found online at www.stcharlesparish.gov/bricks. Proof of service – a copy of the DD214, which is the essential Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty that is issued upon retirement, separation, or discharge from the U.S. military after at least 90 days of active service, or a photograph – must be provided with the order form, along with the check payment. Payments should be made to the United Way of St. Charles and mailed or delivered to their office at 13207 River Road in Luling.
The $50 fee is a one-time free. Production time for bricks vary, but it generally takes about eight weeks.
“Because these are made off-site in batches, shipped and installed, it can take about that long to see your brick at the plaza,” Blanchard said.
Parish President Matthew Jewell announced in December the formation of the St. Charles Parish America 250 Committee, which will lead local efforts to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States this year.
Jewell chose Councilwoman Heather Skiba to lead the committee, which will coordinate events, programs, and community celebrations highlighting the nation’s history
Blanchard said earlier this year that the committee is composed of community leaders who represent a cross-section of St. Charles Parish, including local business and industry, the school system, the Sheriff’s Office, and civic and nonprofit organizations.
“The 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding is a historic milestone,” Blanchard said in January. “The Daughters of the American Revolution have encouraged communities across the United States to commemorate it in meaningful, locally driven ways. We wanted to make sure St. Charles Parish was part of that effort.”
The committee’s final event will be the parish’s annual July 3rd Celebration with a larger patriotic fireworks display.
“We have more America 250 events and initiatives coming soon, so stay tuned,” Blanchard said.
Residents, organizations, and businesses interested in participating in learning more about America 250 initiatives in St. Charles Parish can visit www.stcharlesparish.gov/america250. For more on the nationwide America 250 program, visit The Daughters of the American Revolution’s webpage, www.america250.org.
