HELENA — Veterans Day is Monday Nov. 11, 2019.
To celebrate the occasion, Touchmark residents and family members took time earlier on Saturday to honor all who served.
The Veteran’s Day Program included a brief History of Veterans Day, a Reading of “In Flanders Fields” and the singing of all the branches of service songs.
There are more than 40 veterans living at Touchmark, including retired Montana National Guard Lieutenant Colonel James Greytak who read the 2019 Veteran’s Day proclamation by President Trump.
Greytak served active duty with the Air Force in the 1950s before joining the Montana Air National Guard in Great Falls serving as the 120th Fighter Group’s personnel officer.
Guest Speaker at Saturday’s event was Army National Guard State Command Chief, Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5) Julie Vacura.
She thanked those present for their service and spoke about her 30 year career.
Vacura says she’s lucky to have an opportunity like this one.
“It’s really such an honor,” said Vacura. “I mean, it’s like old friends. Whenever you meet a veteran, even if you never knew them before, it seems like you have some stories in common, and some shared experiences even if they’re 50 years apart.”
On Monday Nov. 11, East Helena will have their annual Veterans Day Parade at 11:00 a.m. The event kicks off at VFW Post 10010 and will also have dedication ceremony for the new Veterans’ Memorial.
In Great Falls a Veterans Day ceremony will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the Montana Veterans Memorial.
Lewis and Clark County Veterans will hold a ceremony at Memorial Park in Helena at 3:00 p.m.
