Memorial Day observance was well attended
Jonathan Greer/Leader<br>Veterans' groups and the public braved windy and cold weather Monday as they paid tribute to the nation's fallen heroes. Here the veterans' honor guard members are shown shortly before firing the 21-gun salute and sounding of Taps to close the ceremony at Lakeview Cemetery.
POLSON — Veterans groups and a good turnout of citizens attended Memorial Day ceremonies in downtown Polson and at the Lakeview Cemetery despite cold, windy weather. Fortunately the rain held off.
Following the parade in Polson, the group gathered at the flagpole memorial at First Citizens Bank and for a brief ceremony. Speaker Pruitt Helm reminded the audience of the sacrifices that so many thousands of young men and women had made over the years so that America could remain free.
It was because of these sacrifices that Americans today have the freedoms to speech, assembly, press and religion. The United States is a democratic republic in which citizens elect their representatives, and if they don't like their elected officials' performance, they can vote them out of office.
Helm reminded young people in the audience that education is vital to their future … and to take advantage of the educational opportunities that are available to them.
After color guard's 21-gun salute and playing of Taps, vets and citizens assembled again at Lakeview cemetery. There state senator John Brueggeman also reminded the audience of the sacrifices of veterans through the years to preserve the freedoms that Americans continue to enjoy.
Karen Sargeant spoke briefly and did the ceremonial ringing of the fire bell as a tribute to firemen who have fallen in the line of duty.