As the hometowns of service men and women celebrated Veterans Day across the nation, the American Legion hosted a ceremony of its own here in Missoula.
On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, people on the Missoula County Courthouse lawn took a moment to salute veterans.
The Salish and Kootenai tribe's Veterans Warrior Society, under commander Dan Jackson, has been the chosen color guard for Missoula's Veterans Day ceremony for 15 years. Seven members stood decorated, holding flags as dozens of people paid tribute to those who've served.
"I think it's really important to honor our vets, because they were willing to give it all, Jackson said, "I think everybody in Montana knows someone who has served. I don't think it's as strongly in America as it is here."
After words from Lieutenant Governor John Bohlinger, Missoula Mayor John Engen, and Missoula County Commissioner Jean Curtiss, the audience took turns placing patriotic flowers on a display for the service men and women in their lives.
"I'm very happy that American recognizes that there should be respect and love for the veterans," Jackson said, "because we really have given it our all."
Jackson hopes the holiday ignites an ongoing appreciation for veterans and their service to our nation.
The Veterans Warrior Society will continue honoring veterans with their 17th annual pow wow this Friday and Saturday at the Joe McDonald Health and Activities Center at the Salish Kootenai College in Pablo.
-Breanna Roy reporting from KPAX in Missoula.
