Veterans Day programs planned throughout the Flathead

Veterans will be honored at several locations throughout the Flathead Valley for Veterans Day on Thursday.

First celebrated as Armistice Day, the day marked the end of World War I, which came in 1918 on the “11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month.” The name was changed to Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all veterans who served in our nation’s armed forces.

• The Miracle of America Museum in Polson will honor all veterans by offering them free admission to the museum on Veterans Day. Any veteran coming to the museum that day is simply asked to identify themselves as a military veteran to receive free admission.

While the museum has a wide and diverse collection, veterans will particularly appreciate the extensive military display that includes more than 30 vehicles, a large collection of home-front posters and memorabilia from several wars. Of special interest is the World War I display. According to Museum founder and CEO Gil Mangels, many veterans use the displays to help them tell their families and friends about their own service.

The museum is located at 36094 Memory Lane in Polson and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Regular admission is $5 for children ages 2 to 12 and $10 for adults. Children under 2 are admitted free.

• Bigfork High School’s National Honor Society and history students will present the 21st annual Veterans Day Assembly beginning at 10 a.m. in the Bigfork High 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, as well as the 13 recently fallen Afghanistan soldiers, and recite a poem by Stephanie Soden.

The winner of the “Voice of Democracy” will read his/her 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 Facebook account (Bigfork School District 38) the day of the event.

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

• A Veterans Day ceremony is planned to begin with patriotic music at 10:45 a.m. at Depot Park in Kalispell. United Veterans will raise the flag at 11 a.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Guest speaker Maj. Joseph Baker will give the Veterans Day address at 11:15 a.m. The ceremony also includes opening and closing prayers and an honor guard. Lunch and refreshments will follow at noon at the Kalispell VFW.

• Kalispell American Legion Post 137 is celebrating Veterans Day with an event starting at 11 a.m. at Epworth United Methodist Church, located at 329 Second Ave. E. in Kalispell. Attendees should arrive by 10:30 a.m.

• Trinity Lutheran School is having a Veterans Day celebration at 11 a.m. in the Trinity Church Sanctuary.

The VFW post 2252 will be presenting the colors. Seventh-graders will be speaking about "What is Veterans Day." Sixth graders will speak about each branch of the armed forces, and one eighth-grade student will play “Taps” on the trumpet.

Veterans from the community have been invited through the VFW, the school and the Trinity Lutheran congregation. As each person leaves they will receive a small, plastic army man to remind them to pray for our service men and women.

• Flathead High School hosts a Veterans Day assembly beginning at 1:15 p.m. Keynote speaker is Navy veteran Mike Langohr.

Local veterans are invited. They will be escorted in and introduced during the assembly and will be honored with a plaque.

The FHS Symphonic Band will perform. The student body will be in attendance. Members of the community are also invited to attend.

If any veterans are interested in participating, they are asked to call 751-3550 prior to Thursday, Nov. 11.

• Bigfork VFW Post No. 4042 will host a special Sundowner event from 5 to 7 p.m. that will kick off in conjunction with the annual VFW chili feed, which is free to all veterans.

There will be a presentation of the flags by Bigfork Scout Troop 1923 at 5:30 p.m., followed by the introduction of Post Comm. Rob Gambino and announcements. A flag retirement ceremony will commence at 6:30 p.m.

Attendees are welcome to partake in the chili feed and cinnamon and sugar pretzels will be provided by Bigfork’s newest establishment, A Sip of Montana. The VFW will be offering a free, one-year membership to any new, qualifying veteran in attendance.

Additional parking is available at the office of Snyder, Beaudry, & Cook to the north of the VFW.

Community editor Carol Marino may be reached at 406-758-4440 or community@dailyinterlake.com.