Veterans Day events held through the Flathead Valley

Veterans Day offers the opportunity for members of the community and students to honor and express gratitude to local veterans. 

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 holiday has evolved from commemorating the end of World War I to honoring all veterans.  

There are several special events happening in the Flathead Valley to mark Veterans Day on Monday, Nov. 11.  

Kalispell’s annual Veterans Day ceremony will commence at 11 a.m. at Depot Park downtown. 

The ceremony will begin with the playing of patriotic music. At 11 a.m. there will be a flag raising conducted by the United Veterans of the Flathead Valley, followed by a welcome and the Pledge of Allegiance and then an opening prayer.  

A presentation of a memorial replica to John Stefanoff will take place. Then at 11:16 a.m. the Veterans Day address will be given by U.S. Army veteran Matt Hegstad, then the National Anthem will be sung, with the Honor Guard ceremony at the playing of “Taps” by the United Veterans. The closing prayer will then be said with closing remarks and singing of “God Bless the USA. 

The VFW Post 2252 will host a luncheon and refreshments at noon at 330 First Ave. W. in Kalispell. 

My Glacier Village on Veterans Day at the Kalispell Elks Lodge, will celebrate veterans from 1-3 p.m. There will be a flag ceremony honoring all branches of the military, patriotic entertainment by Missoula’s Sweet Adelines Quartet, and complimentary refreshments provided by both the Harvest Moon and Lake Baked Bakeries.  

The public is invited and there is no charge for the event.  

Stillwater Christian School in Kalispell will hold a Veterans Day assembly at 2 p.m. A reception for veterans in the school’s gym takes place prior to the assembly at 1:30 p.m. 

Peterson Elementary School in Kalispell holds a Veterans Day celebration on Monday. Pastries and coffee will be served at 8 a.m. and a ceremony begins at 8:45 p.m. Guest speaker will be Cheryl Mellencamp.  

Flathead High School holds a Veterans Day assembly paying tribute to veterans at 8:30 a.m. at the school.  

Columbia Falls High School holds a Veterans Day assembly at 10:25 a.m. in the high school gym.  

Whitefish High School will host a Veterans Day community event at 11:15 a.m. in the school’s gym. A complimentary lunch will be provided for veterans and their families immediately following the ceremony. 

In Bigfork, several events are happening throughout the day.  

A Veterans Day assembly takes place at Bigfork High School at 10 a.m. Open to the public, the assembly includes the presentation of by the Bigfork VFW of awards for Patriots Pen, Voice of Democracy, and the Bigfork VFW Teacher of the Year. 

A VFW recruitment and awareness event takes place at Harvest Foods from noon to 4 p.m. 

All veterans are invited to enjoy a free meal at the Bigfork VFW from noon to 7 p.m.  A flag retirement ceremony will also take place at the Bigfork VFW at 6 p.m.