On a sunshined Wednesday, Evangeline Parish residents gathered to honor the nation’s veterans while practicing social distancing guidelines. In Ville Platte, the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 632 sponsored its annual ceremony at the Evangeline Parish Courthouse. In the top photo, veteran and former Evangeline Parish School Board member Derell Ardoin (left) addresses the audience while local VVA President J.D. Soileau stands to his left. Also pictured are members of the Ville Platte High JROTC. From left are Riley Manuel, Ty Soileau, Leslie Foreman, and Shawn Leblanc. Meanwhile, in Mamou, the American Legion Post 123 also held its annual ceremony. In the bottom photo, James Fontenot (left), Brian Ardoin (center), and Charles Perdices retire the colors. (Gazette photos by Tony Marks and Nancy Duplechain)