Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana Honors Veterans On Sept. 11

MANDEVILLE, LA (Sept. 11, 2019) – Mandeville resident Patty Suffern took a moment to look across the field of gravestones at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Slidell on Wednesday morning.

It was Sept. 11, and she was one of 50-plus volunteers placing more than 2,000 flags on the graves of veterans to commemorate Sept. 11.

It was a somber moment but not a sad one.

“It's so important to honor our veterans,” said Suffern. “I think we take for granted the things we have in life and don't realize that we have those things because of the many sacrifices of our veterans and first responders. We're able to live this amazing life because of their sacrifices. It's a reminder that there is a lot of good in this world.”

The annual event was organized by Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana and its Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), which provides volunteers 55 years of age and older a way to use their time, skills and life experiences to help meet critical needs across St. Tammany Parish.

In remembrance of the September 11th terrorist attacks, RSVP volunteers, many of whom are veterans themselves, honor those individuals who have fought to keep our nation safe with the special flag ceremony. Volunteers of America is a strong supporter of veterans and currently has three programs to assist them: Transitional Housing for Homeless Veterans, Supportive Services for Veterans, and Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (Job Readiness/Placement for Veterans).

Gulf Coast Bank co-sponsored the event and purchased the flags used to honor our veterans.

“This is a special way that we can give back to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice,” said Diane Brehm of Gulf Coast Bank. “We’re here to honor those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, and all of those who are fought and served to protect our freedom.”

The event also featured volunteers from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the U.S. Marine Corp, the U.S. Air Force and The Mission Continues.

High-res files of the photos below can be accessed through this Dropbox.

About VOASELA:

Volunteers of America is a national, nonprofit, faith-based organization dedicated to helping those in need rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. Since 1896, our ministry of service has supported and empowered America's most vulnerable groups, including at-risk youth, the frail elderly, men returning from prison, people with disabilities, and those recovering from addictions. Our work touches the mind, body, heart-and ultimately the spirit of those we serve, integrating our deep compassion with highly effective programs and services.