Groundbreaking held for Avenue of Flags pavilion in Lake Charles

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - A groundbreaking ceremony was held Wednesday for a new pavilion at the Avenue of Flags at Orange Grove Cemetery in Lake Charles.

Organizers say the project has been in the works for about two and a half years.

The pavilion will provide shade, cover and fans for people attending services at the cemetery.

Organizer Ted Harless said the group wanted a permanent place for visitors to escape the heat while experiencing the Avenue of Flags and its services.

“We wanted to put something permanent for the Avenue of Flags because we’ve been doing this for over 43 years and we know that it’s going to continue way beyond you and I,” he said. “So, we wanted to have a permanent facility for people to get out of the sun, get out of the heat and be able to experience the Avenue of Flags and the services that we provide.”

The Avenue of Flags expects to hold next year’s Memorial Day service under the new pavilion.