At the Mars Hero Fund, we take great pride in being a key sponsor at this event.
The Legion of Mars honored those who have served and are serving in the military at its 11th annual Carnival ball at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans.
All five branches of the armed forces are represented in the krewe as well as nearly all of the major veterans service organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and Military Order of the Purple Heart. The Legion additionally honored first responders.
A time-honored military tradition, a grog was made during the tableau. Re-enactors in historic uniforms from New Orleans Living History of the American Military, representing each branch and first responders, created a “Mardi Grog.” For those who died in the line of duty, Adjutant General of Louisiana National Guard Brig. Gen. Thomas Friloux added lemonade to the grog as a reminder that “greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
The ball honored veterans killed or missing in action with an empty table.
Reigning as a queen over the ball was Miss Grace Elizabeth Babin.
Maids in the court were Misses Claire Lynn Bailey, Megan Lalla Bailey, Katherine Elizabeth Page Curtis, Lily Catherine Horridge, Brook Ann Kelly, Azelea Lee Longsworth, Madigan McDonough Spiers, Victoria Rose Talamo, Gabrielle Leila Womble, Ellen Earline Bailey, Madeline Marie Branch, Kelly Jeanne Debenport, Briteny Alex Kelly, Alina Rose Longsworth, Rani Lee Smith, Presleigh Lynn Ellen Stewart and Parrish Elise Whipple.
Princesses were Misses Alexis Valentina Douget, Lena Marie Lang, Marigny Margaret Ellen Shirer, Sophia Grace Huster and Riley Kate McGittan.
Pages were Masters Bradly Lee Branch, Jack Henry Lalla, Preston Curtis Morvant, Gabriel Thomas Cunningham, Hayes Albert Morvant and Benjamin Womble.
The grand marshal was Army Brig. Gen. Andree G. Carter.
Purple Heart recipients honored were Brig. Gen. Friloux, Army Cpl. Augustine Accardi, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. William Truax, Marine Corps Col. Dennis Sanchez, Marine Corps Maj. Kristopher Turner, Marine Corps Master Sgt. Jeffrey Cantu, Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Terrance Bowens, Marine Corps Cpl. Matthew R. Cole, Army Spc. Felecia Flake, Army Spc. Christopher Perry and National Guard Sgt. Jonathan Lebouef.
Honored veterans included Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Fred Burmaster and Air Force Lt. Col. Ken Demarest, United States Air Force.
Guest included U.S. Rep. Troy Carter; State Sen. Royce Duplessis; Supreme Court Justice Piper Griffin; city council members Helena Moreno, Eugene Green and Freddie King; additional city officials; Gold Start Daughter Keira Jackson; and Mars First Responder of the Year Nicole Powell. Also attending were Gregg T. Habel, executive director, Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces South; Brig. Gen. Justin M. Swanson, commanding general, 377th Theater Sustainment Command; Rear Adm. David C. Barata, commander, Eight Coast Guard District, and Col. Dennis A. Sanchez, chief of staff, Marine Forces Reserve.
Mrs. Jeanne Demarest Schaumburg served as general chairman of the ball and court committee, assisted by Mrs. Michelle Phillips, assistant ball chairperson. The chairman of the reception committee and floor committee was retired Navy Capt. William Michael Turner.
Email Victor Andrews at vandrews@theadvocate.com
Note: Article courtesy of Nola.com February 15, 2024. Photo courtesy of “The 2024 court of the Legion of Mars.” Photo Provided. Full digital access to article is available via Nola online subscription.
.