By KEVIN CHIRI
Slidell news bureau
SLIDELL – The second annual Veterans Appreciation Reception in Slidell will be held this Sunday, Nov. 2 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium, with several special speakers on the agenda this year.
However, organizer Chuck Sabadie said the program he began a year ago will still have a primary focus of simply saying “thank you” to veterans.
“Yes, we do have some excellent speakers for this year’s program, but the goal of this event is to let our veterans know how much we appreciate them, and to provide a fun and uplifting afternoon,” Sabadie said.
All veterans and their partners, whether spouses or friends, are invited to the free lunch and afternoon of dancing to the “sounds of the eras,” with an opening reception at 1 p.m. before lunch is served, followed by a short program that will lead into dancing and fellowship with other veterans for the rest of the afternoon.
Sean Noel, a 14-year-old from Mandeville who began a parishwide website called “St. Tammany Remembers,” will speak about his program that has created an online listing of veterans in this area.
Noel was disappointed nearly two years ago when he had trouble finding a veteran to speak at a school program, so he decided to start a website that is serving as a resource for others to find veterans of any eras.
The parish teen is a Boy Scout currently working on his Eagle Scout rank who has founded several area charities, including “Warm Hearts,” which collects warm clothing and blankets for those in need throughout the area, as well as “Sean’s Factor,” that raises funds for children with hemophilia so they can attend a summer camp.
“This young man is truly remarkable,” Sabadie said. “He talks about how important it is for us all to never forget about the sacrifice and service of our vets. He reminds everyone that the veterans are all living in our own communities and we need to remember them.”
Slidell’s Johnny Crow will be the keynote speaker with a Will Rogers-type program to bring laughter for the crowd.
Also among those speaking will be Joe Rotolo with the Father Timothy Pugh Knights of Columbus Assembly #1635, Habitat for Humanity CEO Debbie Crouch with an update on the “Veteran Build” home that is underway, and Commandant Mary Draughn, a World War II nurse with a story and presentation about the Missing Soldier.
Free lunch and drinks have been provided by Rouses, NOLA Southern Grill, Silver Slipper casino, Zea Rotisserie, Blue Bell Ice Cream, Creole Bagelry, La Rosetta, Panera Bread, Dickey’s Barbecue, Piccadilly’s, Southside Café and Victorian Tea Room.
Sabadie has been involved in local events previously to support veterans, working with several others to hold a Veteran’s parade in Slidell during past years, and now creating the Veteran’s Appreciation Reception that he plans to continue each year.
“We want this to be like a party for them, but something that is a positive event,” he said. “There will be levity, fellowship and a good time for all.”
Last year at the first event over 300 people showed up and Sabadie said in year two he expects at least 400 or more.