Praise for those who served

Traditional Veterans Day services were held Wednesday in Havre.

The Legion Honor Guard fired a three-volley salute on Town Square and then the crowd moved to the Havre Elks Club for further observances.

And the crowd members, many growing older, were heartened by one event that took place during the ceremonies.

Kindergarteners and first-graders at Highland Park Early Primary School had made colored drawings thanking the veterans for their service to the country.

That was moving to the veterans who were glad to hear that the younger generation is learning about the sacrifices veterans have made over the years.

Lynette Stortz, Highland Park kindergarten prep teacher, made sure that each veteran got one of the drawings as they went home.

Some drawings depicted medals and medallions and some pictures of veterans standing in front of an American flag.

Members of the Elks Club, which emphasizes support for the flag and for veterans, took part in the brief ceremony held after the volley.

To the veterans in the audience, longtime Elk Bob Nieuwenhuyse offered praise.

"Thank you for your service and most of all, welcome home."