Caldwell Parish veterans served free fried fish plates on Veterans Day
Event at Columbia Heights Baptist Church fellowship hall was sponsored by local sheriff’s office, banks
COLUMBIA, La. (KNOE) — Veterans received a free fried fish plate Wednesday afternoon at the Columbia Heights Baptist Church fellowship hall in Caldwell Parish.
Retired Sheriff Steve May said he wanted to show appreciation for veterans.
“These veterans put so much out for this country and I just wanted to show our appreciation,” May said. “Got with the sheriff and a couple of local banks and they sponsored and this is really not much to show our appreciation but something to do for them to let them know we appreciate what they’ve done for this country.”
Organizers
Sheriff Clay Bennett, Homeland Bank, Caldwell Bank, May, his wife and others joined forces to organize the event.
Organizers said the goal is to bring the community together, recognize veterans, celebrate their service and thank them for their sacrifices.
May said the event also was meant to recognize “the last surviving World War II veteran in Caldwell Parish.”
C.E. Tucker’s service
C.E. Tucker, a World War II veteran, attended the event. Tucker shared one of his favorite memories as a soldier.
Tucker said Douglas MacArthur saluted 100 members of his company as they marched in front of him at a July 4 parade in 1948 in Tokyo, Japan.
“I was in the Navy in World War II, but I went in the Army in ’47,” Tucker said.
Tucker joined the service at 14 years old. He said he recalls when he was first discharged.
“I was discharged from the Navy a month before I turned 16,” Tucker said.
Tucker said being appreciated means a lot.
Next event
The event’s organizers are already planning for Memorial Day.
Copyright 2026 KNOE. All rights reserved.
