Havre Memorial Day ceremonies honor war dead

The rain had stopped but there was still moisture in the air as the annual Memorial Day ceremonies began on the Hill County Courthouse lawn Monday morning.

A crowd of people gathered, lining up on the flag-draped sidewalks that surround the building.

Boy Scouts marched to the flagpole and while the crowd, many veterans, stood in silence, the flag was raised to half-staff by the Scouts, and Tom Baty, a Havre High music teacher, sang the national anthem. Donna Woods, American Legion chaplain, recited the invocation.

Master of Ceremonies Jed Damson read the names of Legionnaires and VFW members who have died over the past year.

One by one, representatives of the American Legion, the Legion Auxiliary, the VFW, the VFW auxiliary and the Elks Club were called forward to lay wreaths in honor of their deceased members. They carried the wreaths down a sidewalk lined with American flags.

Guest speaker David Driver of Great Falls, past department commander of the American Legion, reminded the crowd that “today, we live in a post-9/11 world.”

“Oceans will not protect us from those who wish us harm” he said.

He praised those who died for their country after the 9/11 attacks by fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan and for “the brave men and women who are there right now.”

“They were called to defend freedom, and they answered the call,” he said. “They are all heroes.”

Damson said that some in the audience may not know anyone serving in Afghanistan, but he said they can find email addresses of those serving.

“Send them what we used to call a letter and tell them you appreciate what they are doing,” he said.

Woods gave the benediction, and the crowd dispersed.