Saturday, May 28, 2011

GALLIANO, LA - Memorial Day ride will honor veterans

OFF THE WIRE
Thad Angelloz
 dailycomet.com
GALLIANO — Our Lady of the Sea’s Knights of Columbus Council No. 3150 Grand Knight Irvin Billiot knew he wanted to do something special for local veterans this Memorial Day.
His Monday Memorial Ride begins at 9 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Galliano before proceeding to several local military memorials.
“This is something I felt we needed to start for our veterans,” Billiot said. “Even if I was the only one who would participate, I was going to do it.”
Along with placing memorial wreaths at each stop, a meal will be provided to the veterans and participants later that day at St. Joseph Catholic Church’s recreation center, 17980 W. Main St.
“I’m guessing it will take about five hours to complete the trip. I look forward to this ride because it’s a ride to show our love in return for all the veterans have given us,” said Billiot, who’s also a member of the Cajun Cruisers, a motorcycle club based in Larose.
Billiot said he’s inviting all motorcycles, dune buggies, antique cars, rat rods and muscle cars to participate in the ride.
“There’s no fee being charged, but when we return to the center, if anyone wishes to make a donation to help defray the cost, we’ll accept it,” he said.
Billiot hopes to make the ride an annual event.
“We knew we had to get things going with this whether or not we have a lot people who show up for the first one,” Billiot said. “In the future once the word gets out more about it, I believe this can turn into a well-attended event.”
For information on the ride, call Billiot at 696-5821.