World War II vets take center stage

Independence Day 2010 had a special, poignant touch in Kalispell last weekend.

Beyond the patriotic fervor and everything in red, white and blue was a simple tribute to five very deserving men.

Almost 60 years ago, William DeVall, Ray Hall, Irwin Jacobson, Leslie Slyter and Ronald “Buck” Torstenson made good on their regimental motto, “Men Do Your Duty,” when they served during World War II.

So it was with great pride that the community saluted their service during Kalispell’s Fourth of July Parade. The five soldiers from the 163rd National Guard Regiment were honorary grand marshals for the holiday procession.

The Greatest Generation of old soldiers who protected our freedoms in that brutal war is dwindling swiftly, so it was heartening to be able to salute these deserving veterans, who represent a valorous link to history.

THERE WAS another interesting link to history in the news last week, but one with a lighter touch.

David Mitchell of Kalispell lost his Shelby High School class ring 37 years ago and didn’t ever expect to see it again. But thanks to the determined efforts of a stranger in Illinois, Mitchell has the ring back — just in time for his 40th high school reunion.

The ring was found 25 years ago and left in a desk drawer until a couple of years ago when a woman made it her mission to reconnect it with its owner. With Internet sleuthing and persistence, Shelley Warner managed to track down Mitchell and now he once again can proudly show off the red-stoned ring.

IF YOU'RE AN employer and you notice your workers getting distracted and mumbling things like “extra time” or “penalty kicks” and wandering toward the nearest television, don’t be alarmed: They’re just infected with World Cup fever.

The United States no longer has a team in contention in the world’s most-watched sporting event, but plenty of Americans — even those who aren’t soccer moms or soccer dads — have become enmeshed in the intrigue and drama of soccer’s showcase.

The fact that games in South Africa are aired either early in the morning or just after noon has created a challenge for people who want to follow the soccer action but have jobs to perform.

But bosses vexed by World Cup distractions can take heart: It all ends on Sunday.