Memorial Day gets 'some legs'; first Freedom Fest offers long line of events

Memorial Day Weekend in Morgan City had a different atmosphere this year as the inaugural Freedom Fest was held at Lake End Parkway in Morgan City.
The event, put on by the American Legion Riders Post 96 in Morgan City, featured a car show, bike show, live music, food and guest speakers, among other things.
The 13th annual Freedom Ride was held in conjunction with the festival in which wreaths were placed at five different war memorials in St. Mary Parish.
Morgan City Mayor Frank “Boo” Grizzaffi said the city appreciates the American Legion’s work in putting on the ride and festival.
“I can see this has got some legs that we can look forward to every year,” he said.
Ed Perot, who was chairman of the committee presenting the festival, had positive views of the event just a few hours into it.
“It’s going great,” he said.
U.S. Sen. David Vitter, R-Metairie, was one of the day’s speakers.
“Of course, the reason we’re doing this on Memorial Day is to thank and honor all of our veterans and our men and women currently in uniform. … You know it just like I know it,” said Vitter, a candidate for governor in Louisiana. “We can only be out here on a beautiful day enjoying great music and food because of their service and sacrifice. Everything we do in our lives, ever dream we pursue, every opportunity we take advantage of is only because of their service and their sacrifice.”
Vitter said the part of his job that gives him the most joy is working in conjunction with and for veterans and current military.
U.S. Coast Guard Capt. David McClellan, commanding officer of Marine Safety Unit Morgan City, said Memorial Day is a time of reflection and to enjoy with family and friends.
“It’s a day that I hope each and every one of us reflects not only on those who have died and made that ultimate sacrifice, but those who are also sacrificing today and those who will surely have to make sacrifices in our future, because as you know, freedom is not free,” he said.
Those celebrating the occasion were not limited to locals or even Americans.
Maria Schmitz and her husband, J.J. Telen, who live in Maaseik, Belgium, came to the event while in the United States visiting their daughter, Glenna Telen and their first grandchild. Glenna Telen is originally from Maaseik, Belgium, but now lives in Bourg with her husband.
J.J. Telen, who served in the Belgium Air Force and did five missions, said that a holiday like Memorial Day is not held in Belgium.
He said he has an appreciation for what U.S. military personnel do.
While the date is of no significance in Belgium, J.J. Telen shares something special with the American people — he was born on July 4.
Glenna Telen, whose husband was in the U.S. Air Force, has lived on and off in the United States for 10 years, moving back last year.
“I celebrate it because of my husband,” she said of Memorial Day, “but like they say, back home it never gets celebrated. It’s different.”

This story was written by Geoff Stoute of The Daily Review staff. Reach him at gstoute@daily-review.com.