For generations, African American veterans have served this nation with courage and dedication, yet their stories have too often faded with time. This 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, invite the public to join a commemorative cemetery walking tour honoring African American veterans Saturday, November 8 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Matthew Cemetery (Fulton Street, New Iberia).

Tickets are $15 per person, with a portion of the proceeds supporting a full year of care for a veteran’s grave site, including grass cutting, landscaping, and basic preservation.

Participants will place a commemorative flag at the grave they adopt and receive a personalized veteran profile that shares the story behind the name, including the branch of service, years served, military conflict, and a photograph when available.

This act of remembrance extends beyond a single day. By adopting a grave, participants help restore dignity to the final resting places of African American veterans whose sacrifices built and defended our freedoms. Together, we ensure 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 serves 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