Memorial Day celebrated in Great Falls
Bright sunshine and warm temperatures brought the feeling of summer to the Montana Veterans Memorial for the annual Memorial Day ceremony.
"Some people think this is the first day of summer, but it is much more than that," Sen. Jon Tester said during his remarks. "This is the day that we give thanks to the men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice for this country so that we can be here today, celebrating."
This year's ceremony had a special focus on the American Indian military experience as 162 new tiles were dedicated in honor of veterans belonging to the Blackfeet tribe.
Several of the speakers noted that Native Americans have traditionally served in the U.S. military in higher numbers than any other ethnic group, even when they were barred from the draft. The Native American speakers attributed some of this practice as a tradition important to many families.
"Warriors have walked these grounds overlooking this magnificent river for years," said Harry Barnes, Chairman of the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council.
"Many have lost loved ones. Many are still hurting because of the things that took place with their loved ones, even though they have come back," added Chief Earl Old Person of the Blackfeet Tribe, who gave impromptu remarks at the ceremony.
"Each one of the tiles we have in the wall, be they non-native, be they native, has a story all of its own. And as you go by and touch them you will see," explained Mayor Michael Winters, who played an instrumental part in creating the memorial and organizing the addition of the new tiles for tribal veterans.
About 260 new tiles in total were installed before Monday's event.
The names of all Montana's fallen veterans killed in Iraq and Afghanistan were read before the crowd.
The ceremony concluded with the playing of taps by Tester. This traditional conclusion was echoed at a series of morning and early afternoon events at cemeteries across Great Falls and the surrounding area.
The local Marine Corps League stayed busy this Memorial Day, as they do each year, providing their services at three public ceremonies. They presented the colors, assembled a helmet and rifle display, provided a gun salute and also played taps among the grave markers decorated with flags and flowers.
Maj. Ricky Anderson of the Montana Air National Guard provided guest remarks at the Highland Cemetery, saying "if words cannot repay the debt we owe these men and women, surely with our actions we must strive to keep faith with them and the decisions that led them to battle and to the final sacrifice."
The Great Falls High School band provided music at the Highland Cemetery program, along with Shrine Bagpiper Jessie Calender. The ceremony also included a roll-call of all local veterans who died between May 1, 2014 and May 15, 2015.
Anderson concluded with words about the National Anthem, "'Does that flag still wave over the land of the free and the home of the brave?' That is what we must all ask."
Reach Tribune Staff Writer Andrea Fisher-Nitschke at 791-6527 or anitschke@greatfallstribune.com. Follow her on Twitter @GFTrib_Andrea or like Andrea Fisher-Nitschke Great Falls Tribune on Facebook.