In Their Honor: Preserving the Legacy of Black Veterans in Iberia Parish
For generations, African American veterans have served this nation with courage and dedication, yet their stories have too often faded with time. In celebration of Veterans Day, the Iberia African American Historical Society and the Shadows-on-the-Teche, in partnership with the Robert B. Green AL Post 533 & All American VFW Post 12065, invited the public to join a commemorative cemetery walking tour honoring African American veterans the St. Matthew Cemetery (Fulton Street, New Iberia).
A portion of the proceeds supported a full year of care for a veteran’s grave site, including grass cutting, landscaping, and basic preservation. Participants placed a commemorative flag at the grave they adopted and receives a personalized veteran profile that shared the story behind the name, including the branch of service, years served, military conflict, and a photograph, when available.
This act of remembrance extended beyond a single day. By adopting a grave, participants helped restore dignity to the final resting places of African American veterans whose sacrifices built and defended our freedoms. Together, we ensured their service is never forgotten and their memory endures through continued community stewardship.
The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, New Iberia Chapter, proudly served as an event sponsor, supporting efforts to research and preserve the stories of African American veterans interred at St. Matthew Cemetery.
Event cover image: “4511 World War I Draftees.” IA and Carroll Martin Photo Collection at the Iberia Parish Library in New Iberia, LA. Digital image found in the Iberia African American Historical Society Center for Research and Learning database.
National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution New Iberia Chapter