Governor's visits headlines parade

Gov. Bobby Jindal, Sen. Ben Nevers and
Gen. Bennett C. Landreau.
(Photo by John H. Walker)

A visit from Gov. Bobby Jindal and Gen. Bennett C. Landreau, head of the Louisiana Army National Guard, headlined Bogalusa's annual Fourth of July Parade that got under way at 9:53 a.m. today.

While the weather wasn't as hot as it had been over the past week, it was still extreme enough that people employed umbrellas and ice chests to try and keep their cool.

        (Three albums with  43 photos, plus a video, of today's

          parade can be found at WPNewsBlog on Facebook.)

As has been tradition, motorcycle riders got the parade under way — pulling out in front and heading north on Columbia as parade-goers cheered and clapped.

"This is what the Fourth is all about," explained one spectator. "We have some friends who drive from Baton Rouge and some others from Foley (Ala.) who come to Bogalusa because they enjoy the small town atmosphere."

This year's carried a dual theme — "Citizen Soldiers" and "Protect What Matters" — to honor those serving in the National Guard and Air National Guard and there were numerous vehicles carrying them.

In addition, Bogalusa and Washington Parish's remaining World War II, Korea and Vietnam veterans were on a float together.

And there were politicians.

While it is a limited year for elections, even those "safe" this year were out for morning — to throw beads, bottles of water, plastic cups or candy — and wave to the spectators.

After the parade and a break for a cook-out type lunch at American Legion Magic City Post 24, activities kicked back up again at 1 p.m. in Cassidy Park with live music, political speeches, food vendors and a bicycle parade.