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    Louisiana National Guard becomes highlight of Irish parade

    Louisiana National Guard becomes highlight of Irish parade

    Photo By Sgt. Michael Owens | NEW ORLEANS - Louisiana Army National Guardsman Sgt. Gerard M. Laborde, of B Battery,...... read more read more

    NEW ORLEANS, LA, UNITED STATES

    03.24.2009

    Story by Sgt. Michael Owens 

    Louisiana National Guard

    NEW ORLEANS – Local members of the Louisiana Army National Guard participated in the annual St. Patrick's Day parade in New Orleans, March 17.

    Staff Sgt. Wendell J. Johnson and Sgt. Gerard M. Laborde, both of the B Battery, 1st Battalion, 141st Field Artillery Regiment, participated in the parade by passing out National Guard fliers, water bottles and parade beads as they rode in a Humvee decorated with LANG logos.

    "Since our unit is a part of New Orleans, we participate in events like this to show our commitment and involvement in the community," said Johnson, who serves as the battalion's full-time retention noncommissioned officer.

    As Johnson and Laborde's vehicle rolled through the streets, the festive parade-goers cheered, clapped and made a heart-warming effort to thank them for their service to the city and country.

    "They [Guardsmen] work hard to ensure our safety, and I want them to know that my family and I appreciate them and their sacrifices," said teary-eyed, New Orleans resident Betty Cooper.

    The parade began in the 9th Ward and rolled through the central and bywater areas of the city and ended on the famous Bourbon St. in the French Quarter.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 03.24.2009
    Date Posted: 03.24.2009 10:59
    Story ID: 31538
    Location: NEW ORLEANS, LA, US

    Web Views: 307
    Downloads: 269

    PUBLIC DOMAIN