Past Lafitte Ball

The Buccaneers of Lake Charles honored their past Lafittes on Saturday, April 25th. Developed by Joe and Vicki Vezina, the ball brings back the memories that can slip into oblivion if not remembered at this event. Those who have not witnessed the "march of the has beens" truly can not appreciate the history standing before their very eyes. I marvel at the men like Willie Newlin who started this grand tradition of pirate ambassadors and wonder what the future holds for us pirates. So to bask in those few minutes when each man is called to walk that long line moves me almost to tears. And my dad is one of those men. A little proud? Of course, I am. It takes something special (well I guess not every time a Lafitte as been chosen) to be a Lafitte. Somehow my dad fit that mold in 1995. And I thank his President who saw that in him.

And now it is Uncle Lloyd's turn to bask in the moments where he promotes our fine city, where he smiles for every camera, and where he joins the long line of men before him. Our President, Thomas Mefford, could not have chosen better. I know no other man who gives his all to his community. And it is a joy to see his smiling face once again. Better yet, it's great to see him in a pirate costume again. He makes a handsome Lafitte. I am just as proud of him as I was when my dad was Lafitte.

So the party was wonderful. There was plenty of dancing and merriment that evening. Yet, there was a different feel in the air that evening. It could have been that the Madame Lafitte's were back to their very entertaining antics. However, I think it was the statement from our wonderful Queen, Madyson. Something came over that room as she spoke of her memories of her grandfather and Contraband Days. In that moment, I think we all realized that we do make an impact on our community. We are ambassadors who build memories. And it took a truly deserving young lady to remind us that we do matter.