Greatest Generation soars again

The Greatest Generation made us all proud again last month when Pat Hume, who served as a gunner in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II, was awarded France’s highest honor for valor.

Sgt. Hume, a resident of Fortine, was inducted into the National Order of the Legion of Honor, on March 22, in recognition of his participation in 66 sorties over occupied France and Germans from July 1944 to April 1945. 

Now 99-years-old, Hume typified the bravery, fortitude and character of Americans of his generation. he received nine Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters for his service, along with a Germany Theater Ribbon.

Of course, the rest of the story is that Hume was actually born in Alberta, and became a naturalized U.S. citizen later, showing that the American spirit is not just for native-born Americans but is available to any who wish to be and do their best.

We salute you, Sgt, Hume!

Zinke returns to Whitefish

U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke of Whitefish was in the Flathead Valley this week for a town-hall meeting, and we’re pleased to see he’s taking time to meet with local folks and stay connected to his Montana roots.

Those attending the meeting didn’t hold back from grilling the freshman representative on a number of tough issues that cut a wide swath of issues, from his opposition to the proposed Superfund designation for Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. to his stand on Amtrak funding and Middle East policy.

Zinke didn’t back away from the difficult questions, and we wouldn’t expect him to. We sent him to Washington because he’s an intelligent straight-shooter who doesn’t shy away from the myriad challenges facing America. 

Good job to both the congressmen and the citizens who took time to ask questions and provide input. This is how our government is supposed to work.