Retired Maj. Gen. Huntington “Hunt” B. Downer Jr. speaks during Fletcher Technical Community College’s Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 11, 2026, at its Schriever Main Campus. Downer encouraged attendees to reflect on the meaning of military service and recognized the sacrifices of military families.
(Schriever, LA) – A standing-room-only crowd gathered at Fletcher Technical Community College on Nov. 11 for a Veterans Day ceremony that brought generations together to honor military service and sacrifice.
Veterans, their families, students, employees and community members filled the Workforce Lab at Fletcher’s Schriever Main Campus, where personal stories, musical performances and military traditions offered expressions of gratitude and moments of remembrance.
Veterans stood to introduce themselves, sharing their names, branches of service and years served. Some also described their ranks and duties, giving attendees an opportunity to learn about the individual experiences represented throughout the room.
Mulberry Elementary School students offered their thanks through a performance of Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” and the presentation of red carnations to every veteran in attendance. Their participation reflected a central message of the ceremony: the importance of helping younger generations understand military service and the sacrifices behind it.
Guest speaker retired Maj. Gen. Huntington “Hunt” B. Downer Jr. encouraged attendees to reflect on the meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance and the commitment its words represent. Speaking directly to the young students, he urged them to consider that meaning each time they recite it.
“Slow it down and think what it means and what the commitment means,” Downer said.
Downer also recognized military families and the responsibilities they carry while loved ones serve, from raising children to managing the daily demands of home.
A former assistant adjutant general of the Louisiana National Guard, Downer also served as speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives and secretary of the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs. He was inducted into the Louisiana National Guard Hall of Fame in June 2026.
Chancellor Dr. Kristine Strickland shared her own family’s connection to military service, recognizing four older brothers who served. She emphasized the college’s role in passing knowledge and experience to future generations and thanked Fletcher employees whose service to their communities continues through education.
The Marine Forces Reserve Brass Quintet, under the direction of Sgt. Carr, performed the national anthem. The United Veterans League conducted the raising of colors, joining other participants in carrying forward the military traditions observed during the ceremony.
Remembrance was also expressed through the Missing Man Table presentation. Albert Lirette, a U.S. Army veteran and Fletcher’s Energy Production Technologies instructor and department head, explained the symbolism of each item in honor of prisoners of war and service members missing in action.
The United Veterans League performed a 21-gun salute, followed by taps played by Aaron Triche, bugler and associate member of the Houma-Terrebonne Marine Corps League.
Lunch was served to all attendees following the ceremony.
About Fletcher Technical Community College
Fletcher Technical Community College, a member of Louisiana Community and Technical Colleges is a vital educational resource serving the Bayou Region. The college offers associate degrees, technical diplomas, short-term workforce training, and free adult education programs such as high school equivalency preparation, digital literacy courses, and English language instruction. Fletcher is committed to providing accessible, high-quality education that strengthens Louisiana’s workforce and supports the economic growth of South Louisiana. Visit www.fletcher.edu for more information.