Events planned on anniversary of 9/11
American Legion Post No. 137 is encouraging the community and all Flathead Valley military, police and firefighters to join its Freedom Walk 2013 in remembrance of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
The walk will begin at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at American Legion Post No. 137 at 351 Fourth Ave. E.N. in Kalispell and will end at the Flathead Valley Veterans Memorial in Depot Park. A short ceremony will follow.
Participants are asked to carry American flags and patriotic signs.
In honor of the Sept. 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance and National Preparedness Month, Kris Long will lead a free community discussion on emergency preparedness Wednesday from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Blake Hall board room at Flathead Valley Community College.
The discussion will involve the national campaign that encourages Americans to take steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, schools, organizations, business and communities.
Preparedness kit information on disasters and emergencies such as wildfires, extreme winter weather, flooding and other unexpected situations will be available. Complimentary refreshments will be served.
Long, the college’s Paramedicine and Emergency Management Program director, recently was recognized by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians board of directors for achieving 20 consecutive years as a nationally registered emergency medical technician.
By maintaining her registered status and completing regular continuing education courses, Long is among the few elite EMTs with the most training in pre-hospital emergency medical care in the nation.
Long has been involved with emergency medical services at Polson Ambulance, Three Rivers EMS and Smith Valley Fire Department. In 2009, she founded West Flathead EMS.
For more information, contact the FVCC Service Learning Office at 756-3908.
On Wednesday at 9 a.m., a new flag and flagpole will be dedicated at Smith Valley School west of Kalispell.
Students are asked to wear red, white and blue and will sing “The Star Spangled Banner” and “The Marines’ Hymn.”
The school is inviting veterans and active-duty service members as well as interested members of the community to attend the ceremony.
Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars will present the flag to last year’s fifth-grade students, who along with teacher Shelly Harris made the initial request for a new flag. These students then will present the flag to this year’s fifth-graders who will raise the flag.