Memories from 'over there'

I feel that the most patriotic and inspiring event in Columbia Falls is the Veterans Day Assembly at Columbia Falls High School. It's sponsored by members of the National Honor Society.

Bagpipe music is my very favorite, and it added a different touch to the observance this year.

It was the first time I have heard the songs of the branches of our services played on the bagpipes. Other music played by Emmette Atkins included "Over There" and other World War I songs. He stood in the stairway of the gymnasium, and bagpipe music filled the area before and after the program. Traditional highland melodies were also included.

Columbia Falls High School principal Terri Steglich gave the opening welcome.

There were 35 members of Montana Veterans Home participating in the program. It is always amazing how many of these men served in more than one branch of the service. Some were in wheelchairs, some used walkers or walked slowly, but they stood and saluted. Kym Island and Ashley Sweeney introduced these veterans.

"Operation Patriotism" by members of Montana Air National Guard, Great Falls, with Major Roy Ingrahm, was inspiring. Flags from throughout the past and present were presented as origins were explained.

Speakers were John Bartlett, Whitefish, and George Johnson, Kalispell. Bartlett, a helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War, is one of Montana's most decorated veterans of that war. Johnson represented the Montana Submarine Veterans. Some of us wished the PA system in the gymnasium could be repaired or replaced.

Lt. Col. Bruce Sneddon, substitute teacher at CFHS, received the Kerel Hagen award. The Veterans Day program was started by the late Kerel Hagen when a CFHS instructor.

Special music was played by the CFHS wind ensemble, directed by Karen Ulmer. Vocal music, directed by Danae Sande, included selections by the CFHS Choir and the Sonifers.

We were impressed by four grade school students reading winning essays. They were Arlyn Jorgenson, second grader; Josiah Stern Osborne and Danae Thueson, third graders; and Alexander Raine Negron, fourth grader. They were presented by Cassie Stoneman.

A message from Sen. Conrad Burns was read.

The moment of silence was observed at 11 a.m.

Closure was given by Nicole Hanson. Barry Hagen played "Taps" to conclude the program.

Emblematic red poppies remembering "In Flanders Field the poppies grow" from World War I days were given by members of Ladies Auxiliary to William Murphy Post 5650, VFW. This has been a tradition of the local auxiliary for years. Poppies are made by hospitalized veterans.

Gladys Shay is a longtime resident and columnist for the Hungry Horse News.