United Veterans host services Monday

Memorial Day schedules for United Veterans of the Flathead Valley have been announced. The public is invited to attend.

Monday's events begin with a 9:15 a.m. lineup at Central School in Whitefish. A parade starts at 9:30 a.m. with the route concluding at the Second Street Bridge. The first ceremony begins there at 9:45 a.m.

Next, United Veterans travel to the Whitefish Cemetery for a 10:15 a.m. ceremony.

Glacier Memorial Gardens Cemetery is site for an 11:30 a.m. memorial.

Next, the Honor Guard travels to the Veterans Memorial at Depot Park, which is scheduled for noon event.

The schedule continues at Conrad Memorial Cemetery for a ceremony to begin at 1 p.m.

Fairview Cemetery, which is one of the oldest cemeteries in Flathead County, is the location for a ceremony starting at 1:45 p.m. Monday.

Next, United Veterans travel to the Veterans Memorial located at Marantette Park in Columbia Falls for a 2:30 p.m. ceremony.

Woodlawn Cemetery west of Columbia Falls has a ceremony announced for 3 p.m.

The final ceremony Monday begins at 3:30 p.m. at Montana Veterans Home Cemetery.

UNITED VETERANS OF FLATHEAD COUNTY is comprised of all the veterans organizations in the valley. These include Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, Marine Corps League and their auxiliaries, and the National Guard.

Various units pay annual dues to United Veterans to cover their members. Any member of any unit may participate in United Veterans meetings and become a member of the Honor Guard.

Honor Guards to perform military honors for any deceased veteran are provided by the United Veterans. Honor Guard consists of a captain of the guard, flag bearers, firing squad, bugler and flag presenter. Area mortuaries make arrangements at the request of families.

The volunteers also participate in flag-raising ceremonies, parades and other events. United Veterans of Flathead Valley is a 50l(c)3 non-profit charitable organization.

United Veterans operates on donations for services performed. Funds enable United Veterans to provide uniform jackets, gloves and ascots for the Honor Guard. Each member provides a white shirt embroidered with the logos, black pants, black shoes and a military uniform hat.

Services for 87 veterans were conducted by United Veterans during 2007. Members of United Veterans believe every veteran deserves to be honored for his or her commitment to and sacrifice for freedom for all.

Anyone interested in joining the Honor Guard may contact Jim Heibert at 862-3507 or Jerry Collins at 752-0198.

Sue Haverfield compiled the Memorial Day schedule and information concerning United Veterans of the Flathead Valley. Sue and husband, Don Haverfield, have been active members of United Veterans for years.

Don, making a good recovery from major surgeries, is recovering at their Columbia Falls home.

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