Memorial service had great turnout

I'd like to thank the several hundred Whitefish citizens who turned out for this year's Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony.

Your patriotism was especially evident at the Cemetery, where there were few dry eyes between patriotic speeches, crisp rifle reports, the lonesome echo of taps and the evocative drone of the bagpipes.

Special thanks to the area Boy Scout units, Troop 17 and Venture Crew 2917 in particular. You marched magnificently. What fine young men and women we are blessed with.

Thanks also to the Whitefish High School Band and Drum Line, the United Veterans, the American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars for their key roles. As well, thanks to the ladies of the Soroptimists, the Rotary and the Moose for marching.

I would be remiss if I were not to thank our speakers, councilor Shirley Jacobson, Rep. Bill Beck, and retired Navy Cdr. Ryan Zinke for their thoughtful and heartfelt words. You are patriots one and all.

I heard from numerous ladies and gentlemen that the ceremony was the best in the last 25 years. That was the goal — to restore grandeur and honor to Memorial Day, the day we remember the sacrifices made by those who died in battle.

Encouraged by this year's successes, we have already begun to plan next year's festivities. If you liked this year's celebration, wait until next year. Civic organizations desiring to participate next year should call me, Mike McNamara, at 862-5453.

Whitefish has a very proud history of honorable military service. Let's not ever forget those who valiantly gave their lives so that we might live in freedom. Freedom is not free. Not then. Not now. Not ever.

Mike McNamara

Whitefish