New granite memorial honors Louisiana’s veterans

A new Veterans Memorial is nearing completion at a park in southern Louisiana this week. 

The new monument can be found at Pinederosa Park in Westlake, Louisiana and is part of a larger park improvement project. 

“It started out as a very small idea,” said Bobby Letard, member of the recreation board, to 7 KPLC.  

“It’s really a great deal for people who have given to our country the most they could give. We have a granite memorial for each arm of the military, the five arms, and the names of veterans who want their names on there [are being engraved] at their request. Certainly the veterans feel the appreciation that’s associated with the park, the veterans part of the park.”

The memorial is still in the process of being completed, but is expected to be finished before the end of spring 2020. 

“We didn’t want to go with brick, we went with granite,” said Westlake Mayor Bob Hardey. 

“It cost a little bit more, but it looks so much nicer. You can always read the names. You don’t have to hunt a brick. We have about 40 to 50 more [names] waiting to hit the wall. We have 188 [names] now. Men are coming out here, all veterans. It’s just been a great set up for the city.”

If you are interested in having your name included on the memorial wall, please contact Westlake City Hall at 337-433-0691.