MISSOULA – A trio of local groups are teaming up this weekend to mark the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day which marked the end of World War I.
The Rocky Mountain Museum of Military History, the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula and the Northern Rockies Heritage Center is playing host to Montana’s WWI Centennial Victory Commemoration on Sunday.
Sunday’s events will begin at 11 a.m. at the with the Missoula County Courthouse Doughboy Statue ceremonies and the National WWI Centennial Committee “Bells of Peace” nationwide bell ringing at the Rocky Mountain Museum of Military History.
An opening ceremony will be at Heritage Hall at Fort Missoula at 12 p.m. and will include addresses by Montana Secretary of State Corey Stapleton, U.S and Major General Matt Quinn who is the Adjutant General, Montana National Guard.
A book discussion with Ken Robinson, the author of WW I Montana: The Treasure State Prepares takes place beginning at 2 p.m. at the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula.
Two hours later on Sunday, the celebration will return to the Rocky Mountain Museum of Military History for an illustrated talk about “Clarence Streit: A Missoula Doughboy Looks To the Future.”
There will be lots to see and do on Sunday with the celebration including outdoor displays of a WW I Renault Tank and a replica of a French “40 or 8” railway. WWI films and documentaries will also take place throughout the day.
Free Certificates of Appreciation to WWI veterans will also be presented posthumously to all applying descendants at the Rocky Mountain Museum of Military History
Contact the Northern Rockies Heritage Center at (406) 728-3662 for more information about the WWI remembrance activities.
