Committee recommends plaque dedication at Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery recognizing Caddo Parish land donation

The Veterans Affairs and Services Committee recommended on March 16 that the full governing body formalize a dedication ceremony and unveil a commemorative plaque at the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery recognizing Caddo Parish’s land donation.

Commissioner Greg Young moved the item and Commissioner Thomas seconded; the committee voted 5–0 to forward a recommendation to the full body to direct administration to hold an on-site dedication. Committee members discussed inviting former commissioners who served at the time of the original donation and coordinating staff to set a precise time; members tentatively set May 21 at 10 a.m. for the on-site unveiling, subject to staff coordination and possible adjustment due to scheduling constraints.

During remarks, a commissioner reviewed the original record, saying the parish adopted the donation on Oct. 27, 2000, donating approximately 81.361 acres in what is now part of Eddie Jones Nature Park for the cemetery. That action, commissioners said, helped unlock federal funding (discussed in the meeting as about $3.5 million from Congress) and later expansion grants to enlarge the site. Committee members described the cemetery as having room for roughly 20,000 interments and noted an expansion grant of approximately $3.5 million had been approved to increase capacity.

One commissioner urged care in attributing credit for the donation, framing it as important for historical accuracy and community recognition. The committee voted unanimously to recommend the dedication and asked staff to coordinate logistics and to place the item on the next available full-body agenda for final action.