Hundreds Attend East Helena Veterans' Day Celebration
Author: Nancy Marks, MT43 News Reporter
Nancy Marks
MT43 News Reporter
Veterans’ Day in East Helena is a day of celebration and remembrance. East Helena residents take the remembrance day very seriously.
As the parade came down the street, promptly at 11 a.m., everyone removed hats while hands went over hearts as the flags moved down the street. First responders marched behind the Sheriff and Colonel of the Montana Army National Guard, Chad Roudebush. School kids, released early from school, waited patiently for candy from folks who rode the many floats.
During the ceremony in Main Street Park, Roudebush, as keynote speaker, pointed out that service is the highest calling a person can have to a higher cause. He related that two of his uncles died in World War II in the Pacific front.
Many organizations participated in the parade and ceremony, including Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution, Ancient Order of Hibernians. They were led by East Helena’s American Legion Post 10010, whose commander, Tim Graff, headed the ceremony. An East Helena lady, Charmaine Lyngard, sang the Star-Spangled Banner and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Bill Casey, East Helena born and raised, said he also had two relatives in World War II. He related that his father, William E. Casey, was one of the founding fathers of the VFW organization in East Helena. As he looked for his relatives’ names on the new monuments installed at the Main Street Veterans’ memorial, he pointed out the update: “The veterans’ organizations and local families here came together to build this new memorial. They added many new names. The ceremony gives people the chance to gather and remember their brothers and sisters who served.”
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PhotoCredit: Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer
Image 1 Caption: Colonel of the Montana Army National Guard Chad Roudebush, the keynote speaker, recalled two of his uncles died in action in the Pacific during World War II.
Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer
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Image 2 Caption: Children and parents listen during the Veterans' Day Ceremony at Main Street Park.
Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer
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Image 3 Caption: Bill Casey views the names of his uncles who served in WWII. The new monuments hold hundreds of East Helena and surrounding area names of those who served.
Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer
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Image 4 Caption: Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution float depicting George Washington and his troops.
Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer
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Image 5 Caption: Drum and Bag Pipe Corps of the Back Devils of First Special Services Regiment, whose members from Canada and Montana served in World War II on the European Front.
Nancy Marks, MT43 News Photographer
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