Veterans and citizens showed devotion to their country

The Havre area's military veterans and citizens came together Monday to commemorate those who have served or are currently serving in the military.

Celebration of the nation's heroes began at Town Square at 11 a.m. Monday and then moved into the Elks Club, where everyone attendending got the opportunity to listen to stories from veterans and honor their fellow Americans.

"As Americans, this flag is close to our hearts," Exalted Ruler of the Lodge Bob Nieuwenhuyse said. "For Elks and Americans, every day is Veterans Day."

Nieuwenhuyse gave a sentimental speech on the important roles veterans play in American life and history and urged the audience to salute or thank the next veteran they see in public.

Will Mangold, a Chinook native and U.S. Air Force veteran, told his story of his life in the military with his wife, who enlisted shortly after he did.

"What does Veterans Day mean to me?" Mangold said. "Veterans Day is such a special, dear holiday to me."

For many years, he was posted in Omaha, Neb., where his job was to disseminate messages, sometimes from as high ranks as the president, and to "turn the key" if needed be.

Mangold worked at a nuclear missile silo and to "turn the key" meant to launch nuclear warheads if ordered to do so.

He served for 21 years and no one ever came up to him to thank him for his service until after the 9/11 tragedy, he said.

"9/11, as tragic as it was, changed the way we see things," Mangold said. "We have so much respect for the military today. I believe the military is the one well-oiled machine of the government."

Mangold mentioned that though Veterans Day, by definition, honors those who have served in the military and not necessarily those who are currently serving or those who have contributed to the military without enlisting, such as those who build the airplanes and the families that support those who are enlisted.

"I salute those who didn't serve, but showed their support unconditionally," Mangold said.

The presentations and speeches ended with a plaque given to 101-year-old veteran John Simko, honoring his years of devotion to the United States of America.