Baton Rouge launches ‘Salute and Share’ to honor veterans

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Baton Rouge officials on Tuesday proclaimed November as Veterans Month and introduced a new initiative to recognize veterans and reach those who may not be connected to available resources.

The program, called “Salute and Share,” features 249 American flags planted at Rhorer Plaza, each representing one year of the nation’s history. During the ceremony, residents were invited to take a flag home to honor a veteran or display it for Veterans Day.

“We know a lot of veterans, but there are many out there that we may not be reaching — and we need to reach them,” organizers said.

The city partnered with the Blue Star Mothers and the Broken Fire Museum to secure the flags. The plan is to continue expanding the display, adding one flag each year.

“There are 249 flags planted behind us. Each one represents a year of our nation’s history,” an organizer said. “Next year will be 250. The idea behind Salute and Share is that someone can salute a veteran by sharing or planting a flag in their honor — to show support for veterans this Veterans Day.”

Veterans attending the ceremony reflected on the symbolism of the American flag and the sacrifices made in its name.

“The flag is a symbol of everything that we do as veterans,” one veteran said. “I had a flag on my left shoulder the entire 20 years I served. No matter where you are in the world, you can look at that flag and know it stands for freedom.”

Some veterans also acknowledged how recognition of service has changed over generations, particularly since the Vietnam War era.

“Back in the sixties and early seventies, especially after the Vietnam War, no one said ‘Thank you for your service.’ No one recognized the veteran, particularly a Marine veteran,” one man said.

“Even though you say ‘thank you for your service’ now, our service never stopped,” another added. “Once we got out of the Corps, we’re still serving the community. You should never stop — because when you stop, you forget the veteran.”

City leaders hope Salute and Share becomes an annual tradition that strengthens community connections and honors those who served.

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