No headline

Veterans Day assemblies around the Flathead Valley give members of the community a chance to express our gratitude for our veterans and active military who have served in times of war and peace to protect America’s freedom. The following events are scheduled on Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11:

• Swan River School has its annual Veterans Day Assembly from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. in the Swan River School gymnasium. Veterans will also be honored with a dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. in the school cafeteria. The menu will include turkey, potatoes, vegetables, salad and a dessert. All veterans and community members welcome.

- Peterson Elementary School in Kalispell invites veterans and parents of students to a Veterans Day ceremony at 9 a.m. From 8:15 to 8:45 a.m. there will be a cookies and coffee reception. Parking is available on the side streets and across the road at the old armory building.

- Glacier High School students and staff will host its annual Veterans Day assembly from 9:30 a.m. in the school gym. The public is invited.

- Columbia Falls High School’s annual Veterans Day assembly begins at 10 a.m. in the school gym. The public is invited.

- Bigfork High School’s honors history students will present their annual Veterans Day assembly at 10 a.m. in the school gymnasium. Students will present facts on the historical significance of Veterans Day, view an original video production from Elizabeth Hyde, read a poignant letter from a fallen Vietnam lieutenant to his wife, honor Gold Star Mothers, and recite a poem by Stephanie Soden. The winner of the “Voice of Democracy” will read their essay, and the Bigfork High School Band will perform with the cheerleaders serving as the Color Guard. The program is streamed live and viewers can access this service through the school website (www.bigforkschools.org) the day of the event.

All veterans and the public are welcome, and refreshments will be served afterward for veterans and their guests.

• Whitefish High School begins its annual Veterans Day Assembly at 10:30 a.m. in the school gym. The orchestra, band and choir will be performing. Dr. Craig Lambrecht will speak about his experience serving in the military. After the event, the high school’s culinary programs will have refreshments for guests and veterans.

- Trinity Lutheran School’s annual Veterans Day celebrations gets under way at 11 a.m. A lunch will follow for the veterans and current serving military in attendance and their guests. Students who invite a veteran to attend the program may stay for lunch with them.

The school is located at 400 W. California St. in Kalispell. RSVP for large groups is appreciated. Call 257-6717.

- Flathead High School will honor veterans and other dignitaries at a ceremony starting at 1:30 p.m. as part of Take a Veteran to School Day, an outreach initiative of the History Channel. Guests should plan to arrive by 1:15 p.m. The group will be greeted by State Rep. John Fuller and will parade the halls to patriotic music from the FHS band, ending with the National Anthem in the grand staircase atrium area. Charter Communication, sponsor of the Take a Veteran to School Project, will present donations at that time. Veterans will then join students in a seminar led by social studies teachers and student leaders during which a few veterans will speak about their experiences serving in the military. Call 751-3550 to RSVP.

- Lakeside Elementary School invites all veterans and community members to its Veterans Day Program beginning at 2 p.m.

- A Veterans’ Memorial Bridge dedication and unveiling of the Flathead County Veterans Memorial will take place on the South Fork Bridge in Hungry Horse at 2 p.m.

State Sen. Dee Brown and local veterans’ organizations will be on hand to dedicate the Memorial to Flathead County veterans killed in action. The dedication will take place at the turnout located 500 feet west of the bridge on the south side of U.S 2 East.