‘Stars and Stripes’ salutes the veterans

The Iberia Cultural Resources Association put on their final show for the 2023 season Sunday at the Sugar Cane Festival with the Stars and Stripes concert.

The concert put on by the ICRA featured the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra, which features Maestro Mariusz Smolij as conductor.

Organizers of the event said the show was all about paying respect to the veterans in Iberia Parish.

“Because of your service we continue to live in a free nation, which we should never take for granted,” host of the concert said. “Our gratitude and respect for you veterans is eternal.”

Veterans who attended the event not only had their name called out to get a special recognition during the concert, pictures were also taken in the lobby of the Sugar Cane Festival Building for the event-goers.

“You had to take the oath to defend the country of the United States, and when you left active duty that oath did not expire, that oath is for life,” Percy Barrilleaux said to the veterans attending.

And of course, the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra played a selection of patriotic songs and other favorites that ICRA patrons enjoyed.

Some of the song selections included “Summon the Heroes,” “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder, “Moon River” from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey and patriotic tunes like the “Armed Forces Salute” and “Stars and Stripes Forever.”