Bozeman pays homage with Memorial Day events
Here we are again, that maddening time of year when spring has sprung and many are stuck playing the “ready, set, wait” for summer game. Though summer-proper doesn’t arrive until later in June, we’ve already been taunted by one or two preview days. Live music and family-friendly events have begun to make the move outside as area farmers markets prep their inventories and sun-seeking outdoor enthusiasts ready their equipment, heading out in droves. But before we slip into the nonstop craziness summer in Southwest Montana brings, we must honor those who gave their lives and granted us the freedom to do so. Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 29th this year — here’s a look at a few local events stoking patriotism in recognition of the fallen.
Bozeman Film Society will present the Bozeman premiere of And We Were Young at The Ellen Theatre on Wednesday, May 24th at 7:30pm in early commemoration of Memorial Day.
Three years and over 250,000 individual frames in the making, this moving stop-action animated oral history of American soldiers (‘Doughboys’) in France during the last months of the Great War is brought to life by Montana filmmaker Andy Smetanka. Brutal and beautiful, Smetanka’s first feature film paints an unforgettable picture of the “war to end all wars,” narrated with the words of the men who survived.
Smetanka will join for this very special Evening of Remembrance on the 100th Anniversary of the United States involvement in WWI. Prior to the film screening, the public is invited to Wild Joe*s Coffee Spot for a free animation demonstration by Smetanka from 6–7pm. Delicious soup and Doughboy rolls will be available for $5.
Following the demonstration, American Legion Post #14 will open the film presentation with a Color Guard. Adapted from Doughboy War: The American Expeditionary Force in World War I by James H. Hallas, And We Were Young is not rated and runs 75 minutes. Tickets are $8.75 for general admission, $8.50 for seniors and students (plus fees), and are available at www.theellentheatre.com.
The annual American Legion Memorial Day Parade will take place on Monday, May 29th at 9:30am. Line up downtown and pay your respects as the procession moves from 7th and Main on its way to an 11am memorial service at Sunset Hills Cemetery, located directly behind Lindley Park. The morning will kick off with a pancake breakfast at Bozeman’s American Legion from 7–9am. Come enjoy a short stack, visit with local servicemen and women, and hear or share stories about the Gallatin Valley’s own heroes.
This year’s parade will feature a number of honored WWII vets from the area, Gold Star Mothers on the steps of the Gallatin County Courthouse, members of the Absaroka tribe, and more. The public is invited to stop by the American Legion the evening before the parade for a meet and greet beginning at 6pm in support of those who have served our country.
“It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.” – General George S. Patton •