Veterans honoring ceremony set for May 1 at Fort Harrison

From VA Montana Health Care System

FORT HARRISON — VA will host a Veterans Honoring Ceremony May 1 at the parade ground on Fort Harrison from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. A medical center open house with exhibits for veterans will follow, ending at 3 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

The ceremony honors all veterans and is the culminating event for the weeklong, U.S. Navy Reserve- and VA-hosted, annual Tribal Veterans Representative Training Conference. The conference informs leaders of American Indian nations from across the U.S. of Veterans benefits and policy changes.

The program includes patriotic music, the reading of a poem, and remembrance of departed Veterans. There will be a special tribute to World War II Veterans and the U.S. Navy Reserve because 2015 is the 100th anniversary of the Navy Reserve and 70th anniversary of World War II’s end.

May is National Military Appreciation Month and several days are significant to Veterans including the Official End of the Vietnam War April 7, Victory in Europe Day April 8, Military Spouse Appreciation Day also April 8, the establishment of the Women’s Army Air Corps April 14, and Memorial Day April 25.

VA Montana Health Care System Director Johnny Ginnity will give keynote remarks and distinguished guests include: Mayor Jim Smith of Helena, the Montana adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Matthew Quinn, and the commander of Navy Supply Global Logistics Support, Rear Adm. James McNeal.