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Veterans Day changes for the Bitterroot Valley

Ravalli Republic - 11/8/2020

Nov. 8--Veterans Day celebrations will look different in the Bitterroot Valley this year with schools limiting visitors and implementing social distancing and mask-wearing to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Many of the usual hosts are changing the method but still remembering and honoring veterans for their service.

The Ravalli County Museum is hosting an outdoor Veterans Day Remembrance with the U.S. flag, flags representing those missing in action, all service branches and all 50 states at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 11.

Assistant Director Nancy Ann Bevins said the service of veterans and their families is part of the Ravalli County history and culture.

"The Museum has a collection of military uniforms safely cataloged and preserved," Bevins said. "In addition, the museum has a collection of audiotape interviews with servicemen and women that are currently being digitized. A project to make quotes from these interviews accessible to the public is being planned."

She said the shortened event is all planned for outside and reminded people to dress warmly.

"We are still doing our Gallery of Trees, where local businesses sponsor and decorate a tree," Bevins said. "The silent auction does open Veterans Day and is a fundraiser for the museum."

The American Legion Ravalli Post 47 encourages everyone to join in a nation-wide Ringing of the Bells for Peace on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. to commemorate the signing of the WWI armistice.

"The tolling bells sounded so beautiful in our town the last two years," said Nancy Dezell, chaplain.

The Veterans Day holiday started as a day to reflect upon the heroism of those who died serving the United States. Originally called Armistice Day it was to celebrate the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I.

"In 1954, the holiday was changed to Veterans Day to celebrate and honor veterans in all wars for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good," Dezell said.

The American Legion Post 47 will ring the bell in front of the Ravalli County Museum at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11.

American Legion and Auxiliary Post 91 will have the brief Corvallis Veterans Day Parade down Main Street and back at 11 a.m.

Veterans line up around 10:30 a.m., then at 11 a.m., the parade begins with "The Star-Spangled Banner" and a rifle volley.

Event organizer and veteran Doug Mason said the parade began around 2005 with just a color guard and a small audience but it has grown with school children holding signs and cheering for the veterans. This year Mason doesn't expect an audience due to COVID.

"We don't advertise, we just do it," Mason said. "Whoever shows up, shows up. The veterans do the parade to encourage each other. We dress in our uniforms and march down Main Street and walk back and call it a day. Everyone is welcome."

The Florence Civic Club has sponsored over 30 banners of local veterans who have served in all branches of service. The banners hang on lamp posts along the walking path in Florence along U.S. Highway 93.

School celebrations will be different this year too.

Florence School is not holding their annual assembly to honor veterans; however, Florence-Carlton Elementary Principal Chrissy Hulla said she is having classes talk about the day.

"I'm asking my teachers to talk about Veterans Day with their students and what it means to serve our country and their sacrifice," Hulla said. "We will have classes walk along the path to recognize those service members in our community."

Hamilton Schools will not be hosting their usual large veterans event and are not having any public events at the schools this year.

Public relations specialist Justine Stewart said that some students at Hamilton Middle School are writing letters to their representatives about any questions they have locally, at the state and federal level.

"The goal is to show the students that they can still make a difference with their voice even though they do not yet have the power to vote," Stewart said.

Corvallis Schools have traditionally invited veterans to lunch after the parade but Superintendent Jon Konen said that will not happen this year due to COVID.

Corvallis Middle School social study teachers will review the origin and purpose of the day, teachers will have students write letters of appreciation and thanks to veterans who they know. Students will make banners and posters to hang on the fence along the East Side Highway and in businesses along Main Street.

Lone Rock School is not hosting its usual Veterans Day event but students are making cards and drawing pictures for the American Legion.

Stevensville Schools are not having any Veterans Day events.

Darby School District has created an online way to reach out to veterans and the community.

Superintendent Chris Toynbee said students are writing letters and the music department will have digital recordings available on the school's website and, possibly, the school Facebook page.

Darby Elementary School Educator Brooke Gardner is planning on creating a music video with messages from students thanking veterans for their sacrifices and hard work. She said Veterans Day is a favorite day for students and that enthusiasm inspired the teachers to take action.

"We're still working out all the details, it may just be music and artwork," she said. "It is important to honor veterans because they sacrificed everything, to protect our country and to protect us. We are able to live in this beautiful country because of them."

She said the Bitterroot Valley has a large number of veterans.

"We get a big turn-out every year," Gardner said. "We usually do a recognition of service and call out the different battles and wars and they get to stand up and be recognized for their service. It is emotional to see them stand and see the pride in their face. I know it is small and simple and I wish we could give back more but a thank you is important. We want to make sure they know they are valued."

Darby High School music educator Alex Petrusaitis is working with students to make audio recordings. He and some of the high school kids will record a unique rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" on electric guitars, the seventh-grade band will record Aura lee, a tune from the Civil War and the sixth-grade band will record a patriotic version of Yankee Doodle.

Petrusaitis said it is important to honor veterans.

"Veterans put their lives on the line to protect the freedoms we all enjoy," he said.

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