Missoula Commemorates Veterans Day 2024 at Doughboy Statue

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - There were veterans from every war from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, to Iraq and Afghanistan represented on Monday, Veterans Day at 11:11 a.m. when the bells rang out to honor the official end of World War I at the Doughboy Statue in front of the Missoula County Courthouse.

Susan Campbell Reneau welcomed the guests, including spokespersons from Senator Steve Daines and Congressman Ryan Zinke, as well as Missoula Mayor Andrea Davis.

Numerous Proud Elderly Veterans Appeared in Uniform at the Courthouse

One individual who fought in World War II was honored by another veteran who shared the man’s story of how he enlisted at age 16.

“ ‘How old are you’? And he says, ‘You don't want to ask me that question’, the man said. “He takes a ship full of Marines onto shore. They hit an underwater obstacle. It breaks his sternum and smashes his face. He goes over to the deck. Half of all those Marines died. He's reaching over the side. There's a Marine with his hands up. The blood from his face was dripping onto that Marine's face when that Marine drowned, so what were you doing when you were 16?”

Spokespersons Representing Daines and Zinke Read Statements to the Crowd

Zinke, himself a decorated Navy Seal, sent a spokesman who provided this comment.

“Our veterans, both those who stand with us today and those who have gone before us embody those timeless virtues of discipline, honor, and valor,” the statement read. “These are the qualities that define our character and have shaped our nation's history. It is important to remember that veterans are not victims, but proud Americans who have embraced the Call of Duty with unwavering courage. In closing, I want to express my profound gratitude to all veterans for their service.”

Missoula Mayor Andrea Davis shared her experience as the grandchild of a multi-theater warrior.

“ ‘The soldier above all others, prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.’ General Douglas MacArthur,” said Mayor Davis. “My grandfather on my father's side served in three wars, similar to the story that we heard at the opening of this ceremony. He served in World War One, World War Two, and the Korean War. He was 15 when he served in World War One.”

Mayor Andrea Davis Shared the Story of Her Grandfather a Three Theater Veteran

Mayor Davis said it’s up to all of us today to express our thanks to all those who have served their country in the military.

“Sometimes they return with injuries, and sometimes they return with injuries that you cannot see,” she said. “It is our job as civilians and as community members to welcome you home to ensure that our community supports our soldiers and our veterans with honor, with respect and with love. Today, it's my honor to thank all of the veterans serving in the United States and serving Montana and serving Missoula.”

The ceremony ended with four wreaths laid at the Doughboy Statue in front of the Missoula County Courthouse.