(AP) – Louisiana celebrities and notables munched on an elaborately decorated birthday cake, Quebec sent a present and the post office unveiled a commemorative stamp Monday to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Louisiana’s statehood.
Singer Irma Thomas and rockabilly artist Jay Chevalier crooned “You are My Sunshine,” while Deacon John’s voice soared to “America the Beautiful,” in a special joint session of the state House and Senate remembering Louisiana’s bicentennial.
“We’re not the boot. We’re the soul of this country,” said “Murphy Brown” actress Faith Ford, a native of Pineville.
 
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