Memorial Day ceremonies

Once again, it is time to celebrate our nation’s fallen defenders of freedom. On Memorial Day, May 25, the citizens of Whitefish will assemble to parade and pay tribute to the brave men and women who defended our great nation and have now passed.

Last year, more than 300 people attended the ceremonies. We expect far more this year.

As the chairman of the Memorial Day Committee, I would like to invite you to attend the official dedication of the new Veterans Memorial at Whitefish Cemetery. The Veterans of Foreign Wars is hosting coffee and doughnuts at 8:30 a.m. at the Post headquarters.

I will begin lining up the parade at 9:15 a.m. on the east side of the Whitefish Middle School. Anyone who wishes to may march in the parade.

The parade will begin at 9:30 a.m., pause briefly at the soon-to-be-named Whitefish Veterans Memorial Bridge, and then continue to the cemetery for the customary ceremony performed by the United Veterans of the Flathead Valley.

Rep. Bill Beck will be the guest speaker, presenting the veterans’ view. During the ceremony, the Whitefish High School Band will play a few musical selections, wreaths will be presented, and Taps and bagpipes will be played.

With luck, the Air National Guard will conduct a low-altitude fly-over with a jet fighter. The ceremony will conclude at about 10:30 a.m. The American Legion will host a small informal reception at my office in the Riverside Plaza office building immediately following the ceremony.

Thank you in advance on behalf of the Memorial Day Parade Committee and the citizens of the great city of Whitefish.

LTC Mike McNamara, USA-Ret. lives in Whitefish.