Havre hosting this year's Police Memorial Day Parade

Havre will host this year’s Law Enforcement Memorial Day Parade, which will include a parade, that is set to march down First Street and Fifth Avenue, and a presentation by Montana Attorney General Tim Fox, among others.

“This is the day and time to pay tribute to those who are fallen and are remembered in our hearts and in the memory of our country,” a news release from the police department says.

The event will happen Monday, Peace Officers Memorial Day, during National Police Week.

Havre Police Assistant Chief Jason Barkus, who is the main organizer for the event, said that as part of the festivities, Havre High School’s marching band will march in the parade. A flag presentation with rifle salutes by U.S. Border Patrol agents and Montana Highway Patrol troopers also will be held.

The parade will end at the high school, where presentations will be given.

Havre Police Chief Gabe Matosich said this morning other notable speakers will include Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney, Rep. Jonathan Windyboy, D-Box Elder, and Brian Lockerby of the Montana Department of Criminal Investigation.

“Every day across the country, from our largest cities to our quietest crossroads, peace officers stand watch over our citizens, selflessly risking their lives to protect individuals, families, neighborhoods and property against crime,” the  release says.

Last year, the event was held in Polson. For this year, the Montana Association of Chiefs of Police asked officials for Havre to host it, Barkus said.

For Barkus, becoming an officer was about making a difference, he said.

“I mainly wanted to come out here and make a difference in my community,” he said. “I think it’s a noble profession. It’s got its bad and good days.”

The parade will begin at 11:30 a.m. by the Holiday Village Mall, will march east and take a right on Fifth Avenue, and will end at Havre High, where a ceremony will be held. The community is invited to watch the parade.

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Fifth Avenue will be closed

The Montana Law Enforcement Memorial Parade will be held in Havre Monday and Fifth Avenue will be closed from First Street to Bullhook Road from 11:30 a.m. to about 12:30 pm.  The parade will start at 11:30 a.m. at the Holiday Village Mall, traveling eastbound on First Street to Fifth Avenue. The eastbound lane of First Street will be closed for a short period of time and the westbound lane will remain open.  Motorists should plan an alternative route if they are unable to stop to watch the parade.