During a sometimes-emotional ceremony Saturday morning, the LCpl Larry Wells Memorial Highway was officially dedicated.
A large crowd gathered at Mount Hermon School for the dedication, which renamed Highway 38 in memory and honor of the fallen Marine from Mount Hermon. From Clifton to the Washington-Tangipahoa line, Highway 38 is now the LCPL Larry Wells Memorial Highway.
Larry Wells was killed in Iraq in 2004. He was serving with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment in some of the most intense fighting of the entire Iraq war. During a battle at An Najaf on August 6, 2004 he was hit and killed by sniper fire.
Members of Charlie Company were among those present at Saturday’s dedication at Mount Hermon School. Edward Burkhead, who served alongside Larry Wells, spoke on behalf of the Charlie Company members present, who to this day, 17 years later, vividly remember Larry Wells, his service, and his tragic death.
Also speaking poignantly was Ashley Guy. Today she is a teacher at Mount Hermon School. In 2002 she was a MHS senior who graduated alongside Larry Wells. She related to the crowd on Saturday some of her memories of him as a classmate and as a friend.
The renaming of the highway would not have been possible without the strong efforts of Joni Sanders and Beth Mizell.
Ms Sanders was for all practical purposes Larry Wells’ second mother, helping to raise him. Beth Mizell, of course, is the state senator from Washington Parish. At the urging of Ms Sanders, legislation was introduced by Sen. Mizell to authorize the renaming of Highway 38. The highway renaming bill passed in the state legislature and earlier this year was signed by Gov. John Bel Edwards.
Ms Sanders welcomed attendees to Saturday’s dedication and introduced elected officials, members of Charlie Company, and others.
Sen. Mizell gave a solemn dedication speech, remembering Larry Wells’ ultimate sacrifice, and honoring his memory.
Ruth Stoudenmier offered the invocation. She was principal at Mount Hermon School when Larry Wells graduated.
Brother Ray Wurzer, pastor of Mount Hermon Baptist Church, gave the dedication prayer.
The National Anthem was sung beautifully by Faith Miller. The Pledge Of Allegiance was led by Crystal Stewart, sister of Larry Wells.
Following the indoors dedication ceremony, attendees moved outside where the Color Guard of American Legion Post 24 performed a 21-gun salute and Post Chaplin Paul Corse delivered a prayer.
The dedication cermony attracted many from the Mount Hermon area, but there were also in attendance others from across the parish. Parish officials present included Parish President Richard Thomas, Sheriff Randy Seal, Assessor Jimbo Stevenson, Parish Councilman Carley King, Superintendent of Schools Frances Varnado, and the current Mount Hermon School principal, Lee Bond.
