BOZEMAN — Hanging flags down Main Street was one of the many ways the American Legion Gallatin Post 14 celebrated Veteran’s Day this year. They also held a Veteran’s Day Ceremony honoring all the men and women that made the ultimate sacrifice and served our country.
Dozens of people gathered at the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial at Sunset Hills Cemetery Wednesday morning to thank all veterans from all branches of service.
“It’s really hard not to honor our veterans and their sacrifices,” said Air Force veteran Len Albright. “Especially on Veterans Day.”
Albright served four years in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. He’s now the Post Commander for American Legion Post 14, and played a major part in planning Wednesday’s ceremony.
“If you’re a veteran, you’ll know what it’s like and how important this day is to us,” added Albright. “It’s one of those things where it’s in your blood and you have to do it. It’s not because you have to do it, but because you want to do it.”
Gallatin County Sheriff’s Chaplain Randy Jones started off Wednesday’s service with an invocation. The American Legion’s Honor Guard followed suit with a three-round volley featuring several rifles and taps.
American Legion Gallatin Post 14 normally holds a pancake breakfast the morning of Veterans Day, but had to cancel it because of local health orders.
Although COVID-19 may have altered the way the American Legion likes to traditionally celebrate its veterans every year, Albright says the pandemic can’t take away the memories and pride that vets feel on this holiday.
“You start remembering old friends and old times, good stories, and bad stories. It’s just time to reflect.”
While Veteran’s Day is only celebrated once a year, the American Legion wants to remind everyone that veterans should be honored throughout the year for their service and not just in the middle of November.
