MINDEN, La. — The Louisiana National Guard and members of Webster Parish honored the memory of a local leader and war veteran during a dedication ceremony at Camp Minden in Minden, La., Dec. 9.
LANG Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Bennett C. Landreneau, elected officials, family and friends gathered to honor retired Army Maj. James E. Bolin Sr., by dedicating Camp Minden's post headquarters building as Bolin Hall.
"In our society, it is a long honored tradition to name prominent buildings in honor of truly admirable citizens," said Landreneau.
Bolin, a native of Webster Parish and graduate of the Louisiana State University, started a law practice in Minden and was elected as a state representative for the parish in 1940. He resigned in 1942 and entered the Army where he became a highly decorated veteran serving overseas during World War II, to include working with the prosecution team at the Nuremburg war crime trials.
"On behalf of the Louisiana National Guard, I want you to know that Bolin Hall will serve as an important example to our Guardsmen that the ideals of freedom are not free," said Landreneau.
In 1952, he was elected to the 26th Judicial District Court bench and re-elected without opposition in 1954. He was subsequently elected to the Second Circuit Court of Appeal, where he served from 1960-1978. Bolin remained active in the Minden community until his death in March 2002.
"My dad was always proud of this community and lived a full 88 years serving it well," said James E. Bolin Jr. "Because of his service, I'm sure Webster Parish is a better place."