Veteran’s Day is meant to honor those who served in the United States Armed Forces and this year Hamilton Senior High's Trevor Morrison will do that in his own, personal way by leading the Pledge of Allegiance at the school's opening ceremony.
Morrison, a senior with special needs who is enrolled in the pre-vocational and internship program, has been working two years to learn the pledge and is excited to honor veterans.
Principal Dan Kimzey said that after the school's Veteran's Day celebration two years ago, Morrison started working with his teacher, Jan Witt, to memorize the pledge to recite at the big assembly. He noted that Morrison is one of the friendliest students at the high school.
“It’s a great idea and a great way for every kid to contribute whatever they can to this important day of recognizing the sacrifices that so many residents of our community have made on behalf of us all," Kimzey said. "Trevor leading us in the Pledge will be memorable and inspiring.”
Veteran’s Day is celebrated on Nov. 11 and was originally set in 1918 to honor the end of World War I on Armistice Day. Today, it's a day set aside to thank and honor living veterans who served honorably in the military during war or peace.
The Bitterroot Valley has many Veteran’s Day events planned Wednesday through Saturday.
The Hamilton School District is hosting a Veteran’s Day celebration at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 10, in the Hamilton High School Gym. Veterans are invited to arrive early to be seated in the gym. The event will have vocal and band performances by various schools and grades, speeches written and read by middle school kids, and the keynote speaker will be Brigadier General Dale Stovall (USAF, Retired).
The Hamilton schools will present a POW/MIA ceremony, recognize the veterans of various conflicts, and offer other patriotic activities generated by students. Veterans are invited to stay for a reception and conversation immediately following the ceremony.
Stevensville Schools will honor veterans in an assembly 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 8, in the high school gym. Former Marine Sean Lenahan will give the keynote address. The band, choir, and elementary choir will perform.
“We are looking forward to another great opportunity to honor those who have served our country,” said Brian Gum, high school principal.
The Hamilton Christian Academy is having an Honor's Chapel from 2:15 to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 9, to honor veterans and present academic honors to students in grades 3-12.
“Everyone is welcome,” said Stephanie Beck, administrator.
Linda Lanier is presenting a patriotic concert at 7 p.m. on Nov. 9 in the Hamilton Assembly of God Church, 601 W. Main St., in Hamilton.
Florence School District will host a Veteran’s Day Assembly at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 10, in the new gym. Veterans’ have reserved parking west of the gym.
Darby School District will be honoring veterans at 10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 10, in the high school gym. The program will include presentations from the Darby K-12 choir, Boy Scout Troup #94, and the student body president. It will feature guest speaker Roch Turner. Darby School invites all community members to attend, and will host a special reception afterwards for veterans and their families.
Ravalli County Museum’s special event to honor veterans will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 10. The program will begin at the Doughboy statue out front where veterans’ organizations and auxiliaries lay wreaths. Then there will be a program inside in the courtroom gallery.
The same day the museum will open a silent auction of traditional and patriotic trees decorated by local businesses and organizations.
“Bid on a tree that can be given to a deserving person or for a veteran family currently serving in the military,” said Sarah Monson, museum marketing director.
On Saturday, Nov. 11, Corvallis American Legion Post #91 has four veteran events.
The annual veteran’s Day Parade will be held at 11 a.m. starting at the north end of Main Street to honor the veterans of the United States of America.
This is the first year for the Veterans Day Blizzard Ride, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The ride starts at Napa Auto Parts in Hamilton and will raise money for riders programs and “K9 Care Montana,” which is a service dog training center in Philipsburg.
The Corvallis American Legion Post #91 also has a Chili and Cornbread Fundraiser 4 to 10 p.m. at Fins Tap House in Corvallis. The event will raise money for fellow legionnaire Kevin Campbell who is battling cancer. There will be a silent auction and a raffle.
Corvallis Post #91 and Ravalli Post #47 will hold a joint Veterans Day Dinner 6 p.m. at the Hamilton Eagles Lodge. It will be catered by Caffe Firenze. Call Jack Pfau 369-0412 to RSVP.
