Hi-Line to remember fallen soldiers

Across the Hi-Line, communities will be gathering this weekend to

remember the sacrifices made throughout American history by military

service members and to honor the memory of those lost.

In Havre

the local Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion members are

collaborating with other organizations on events through the weekend to

highlight those sacrifices, from a ceremony at the Atrium Mall on

Saturday afternoon in remembrance of soldiers that are or were prisoners

of war missing in action to the main memorial service on the west side

of the Hill County Courthouse on Monday morning.

"We have to

connect people where we can so they can understand more about what

Memorial Day is about, " Jed Damson, commander of the American Legion's

second district, said.

"It's just to honor the military for

their service, their sacrifices and their families' sacrifices, to keep

America free and its citizens free. "

The National Guard color guard will be present at both Saturday and Monday's events.

Hill County Commissioner Jeff LaVoi, a Navy veteran and legionnaire, will be Monday's guest speaker.

"Most

people have probably lost someone along the way, " LaVoi said. "A lot

of times the sacrifice those people make, it's easy to forget it. So

it's good to bring the focus back on that and remember those that made

the ultimate sacrifice. "

Events in Hill County

POW/MIA memorial ceremony — Atrium Mall, 11:30 a.m. Saturday

County Memorial Service — Hill County Courthouse, 11:30 a. m. Monday

Elks Club chili feed — Elks Club, After courthouse ceremony; around 12:30 p. m.

Events in Blaine County

Chinook Memorial Service —

Cooper Memorial Cemetery 11 a. m. Monday American Legion luncheon Eagles

Club in Chinook After Cooper ceremony; around noon

Outdoor Luminary Service — Chinook Presbyterian Church, building luminaries at 8 p.m. Monday, service at 9 p.m.

Silverbow Cemetery — Northwest of Hogeland, 9:30 a. m. Monday

Wing Cemetery — Southeast of Hogeland, 10:30 a. m. Monday

Turner Cemetery — North of Turner, 11:30 a. m. Monday