Jindal recognizes war veterans

Gov. Bobby Jindal presented 615 Terrebonne Parish military veterans with the Louisiana Veterans’ Honor Medal at Houma’s Living Word Church Friday.

A standing-room-only crowd flooded the church as family members snapped pictures of their beloved former servicemen and women.

“We’re here to say that you do something very simple but yet very profound,” said Jindal. “We’re here to say thank you to those incredible men and women who chose to run toward danger not away from it so that we could be safe.”

Before the medals were distributed to the proud Americans, Jindal gave a stirring speech sighting the importance of these brave men and women to our nation’s freedom.

“You are here because when destiny called, you did not sit idly by. You answered the call,” exclaimed Jindal. “You answered the call to serve others above yourselves. You answered the call to put life as you knew it aside so you can serve a cause greater than any one person.”

Jindal has been making similar stops around the state since 2008 to honor veterans for their courage, “the most rare and valuable characteristic to mankind,” he said.

One man happy to receive a medal was U.S. Army Military Police veteran Tony Galliano.

“It’s very nice. It’s an honor,” said Galliano with a proud smile. “You’ve got somebody honoring the veterans of the state of Louisiana, and it’s long past due.”

Galliano served from 1963-1966, and took part in America’s occupation of the Dominican Republic in for 11 months spanning from 1965 to 1966

Veterans from times of war and peace were honored by the governor Friday, including some who served all the way back to World War II.

“I thought the presentation was nice,” said Galliano. “It was a good presentation done with dignity and done with respect.”

Gov. Bobby Jindal presented medals to 615 veterans Friday at Houma’s Living Word Church. Jindal has been holding ceremonies to honor veterans since implementing his Veterans’ Honor Medal Program in 2008. * Photo by RICHARD FISCHER