The oldest surviving relative of the original landowners of Fort Polk, Estelle Gill, 95, was on hand Saturday at the Celebration conducted at Main Post Chapel here.
The celebration is part of an ongoing effort to recognize the heritage and sacrifices of families and their descendants who lived on what is now Fort Polk from 1820 to 1941. Many persons were displaced from their property and homes so Camp Polk could be built as the United States prepared for World War II.
The ceremony honored the tremendous sacrifices of heritage veterans and also featured a color guard of soldiers in period uniforms, including the Civil War, World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam and today.
Later in the afternoon, heritage families vistied key homesteads and cemeteries during tours of the Fort Polk training area. Guided bus tours of the Peason Ridge training area historic sites and cemeteries were also available.
For more information on the Heritage Project, call Michelle McKenzie at (337) 531-0916.
Fort Polk, La. —
