Memorial Day Ceremony (5-29-2023)

Members of the Montana Veterans Memorial Association held the Memorial Day Ceremony on 2 p.m. Monday, May 29, 2023.

 

The ceremony began with the time-honored U.S. Navy tradition of ringing eight bells to honor the end of the watch of fallen comrades. Representatives of the Montana Chapter of the U.S. Veterans Motorcycle Club conducted the bell ringing. The Malmstrom Air Force Base Honor Guard presented the colors, and U.S. Air Force Chaplain (Capt.) Jeremy Jarvis provided the introductory invocation. U.S. Navy veteran and former television personality Art Taft served as master of ceremonies for the 18th annual Memorial Day Ceremony. Youth assigned to local Boy Scout troops lead the participants and audience in the "Pledge of Allegiance."

 

This year's keynote speaker was Kelly Ackerman, the head of the Montana Veterans Affairs Division of the Montana Department of Military Affairs. Ackerman has worked with the agency for 19 years and is a U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard veteran. Marvin Weatherwax will lead the Blackfeet Veterans Honor Guard in Blackfeet Warrior Honors. Longtime memorial supporter and participant Jesse Callender of the Great Falls Pipe Band performed his "Bagpipe Salute." Taryn Lodge, a senior at Belt High School, read the essay she entered in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Voice of Democracy audio essay competition. Lodge's entry, "Why is the veteran important?" won first place in the Montana contest and continued on in the national competition. Members of the Great Falls Municipal Band performed the "Armed Forces Medley" and the Vocal Patriots returned to the memorial to sing the "Star Spangled Banner," and a medley of "America the Beautiful." Bishop Michael Warfel of the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings gave the benediction, and a student trumpet player from Great Falls High School ended the ceremony by sounding "Taps."

 

For more information on the Montana Veterans Memorial Memorial Day ceremony, contact Richard Liebert at 406-736-5791 or email: wwranch@3rivers.net.