Many are owed thanks for Veterans Day observances

On behalf of Havre Elks Lodge #1201, I wish to thank Commander Bill Bilger and Havre VFW Post 497 for allowing the Elks to be a part of the Veterans Day ceremony. We also recognize and thank the dedicated and unswerving service of the Havre VFW Honor Guard to our community. The Order of Elks is proud of all American veterans and those who continue to serve in our armed forces; we are truly grateful for their and their families', service and sacrifices to protect our precious freedoms. We say with gratitude that every day is indeed Veterans Day.

On Nov. 11, there were at least two other Veterans Day celebrations that are most worthy of note and an expression of appreciation. Monday morning, Highland Park Early Primary School held a special assembly honoring Havre veterans. The U.S. Border Patrol Honor Guard impressed students, staff and those parents and friends attending with their presentation of the colors. And the kindergarten and first-grade students very enthusiastically sang two wonderful, patriotic songs of thanks to the veterans and to America. Many compliments and thanks to Ms. Maureen Odegard and her dedicated staff for instilling in these young students the appreciation for the service of America's veterans.

And at Northern Montana Care Center, resident veterans were honored in a program that included Care Center staff, residents, Chaplain John Chapman and Lincoln-McKinley Primary School third-graders who paid tribute to the veterans with their well-rehearsed and animated singing. Resident veterans not only received grateful words and songs but also were presented with certificates of appreciation, flags and T-shirts proclaiming them to be an "NMCC Veteran."

To everyone in our community who was involved in the various Veterans Day programs, thank you. And to our country's veterans, the Elks gratefully say, thank you for your service, welcome home and God bless you.

Bob Nieuwenhuyse, PER-Exalted Ruler

Havre Lodge 1201, B.P.O. Elks