Communities honor soldiers
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RONAN — Though cold and inconvenient, the rain this Memorial Day was appropriate for Lake County residents who paused to remember those who fought and died for our country. For many veterans, every year Memorial Day serves as a reminder of their own sacrifice and the sacrifices of their comrades in arms.
Following the 10 a.m. parade in Polson and a flag ceremony at the Lake View Cemetery, the veterans made their way to Ronan. The stream of parading patriots wound their way down Main Street in Ronan towards the memorial in Bockman Park, where guest speaker Rick Jore gave a small speech.
Jore touched on themes relating to self-sacrifice and the opportunity some Americans have to serve their country. Following his speech, the Ronan-Polson Honor Guard gave a 21-gun salute and taps was played in remembrance of all those who had perished for their country.
The ceremony at the Gold Star memorial was followed by another ceremony in the Ronan Cemetery to honor Ronan’s only soldier who was awarded the Medal of Honor.
The soldier, Laverne Parrish, gave his life in World War II, after risking his own life to treat 37 wounded soldiers.
The ceremony ended with an invitation to the VFW for a lunch provided by the veterans and prepared by the VFW Ladies Auxiliary.
“We remember those that have given up their lives,” VFW commander Daniel Hall said. “It’s a day of remembering the military and sacrifice.”
