Grateful citizens honor area veterans

Thompson Falls, MT – “God and Country” was the theme as grateful citizens honored area veterans during a Patriotic Picnic in Thompson Falls last Sunday.

After volunteers served up free hamburgers to everyone present, musician Linda Lanier took the stage and delivered a hard hitting message centered on the price of America’s freedom. Through song and praise, Lanier honored those who fought and are still fighting for America as she urged the audience to invoke both vigilance and prayer to help our nation maintain the freedoms so many people take for granted.

The afternoon culminated in an emotional tribute as Lanier called all veterans to the stage and invited the audience to come up and shake the hand of each one in a reception line format. Hugs, smiles, and tears revealed heartfelt appreciation from all who participated.

Over a hundred people attended the BBQ, but Lanier expressed disappointment after several folks left early. “People will sit through a whole football game, but won’t sit through a tribute to veterans. Come on people! Where are our priorities?”

State Senators Matt Rosendale, R - Glendive and Jennifer Fielder, R - Thompson Falls were among those who stayed for the whole program. In fact the Senators arrived early and stayed late to help with set up and take down.

“I heard so much about Ms. Lanier’s inspirational program, I just wanted a chance to stop by in person and say thanks to the veterans and to her as well.” Rosendale remarked. “It takes a lot of courage to speak plainly about the importance of freedom and prayer these days. She’s a straight talker, a constitutional conservative and wonderful musician. I really admire her work.” Rosendale, a favorite of many conservatives in the Montana legislature, is travelling the state as he considers a bid for U.S. Senate in 2014.

Sanders County Sheriff Tom Rummel opened the event with prayer followed by missionary David Termer of St. Regis who compared the landscape and resources of America to a grand quilt. He described American people, freedom, and prosperity as the threads that knit the fabric of our nation together. “We are being torn apart at the seams,” Termer said, “and we cannot let that happen any longer. We have to stick together.”

Termer’s wife, Mingh, lived in North Viet Nam when it was taken over by communist rule. She sees many similar things happening in America today. “Nobody thought it could happen. Everybody was too busy doing their own thing to notice,” recalls Mingh. “We were free. Then the communists completely took over and required a permit for everything we owned. Even our chickens. If one died or got lost we had to convince the government that we did not eat it without permission.” Mingh’s family eventually fled to South Viet Nam to escape communist brutality and later came to America with David’s help.

Members of the local VFW performed a flag folding ceremony as Scott Crow explained the special meaning of each of the thirteen folds. Another narrative told the story behind the National Anthem, penned by Francis Scott Key after he watched the British navy work all night attempting to force Americans to surrender the U.S. flag at Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. Despite suffering an incredible barrage of military force, Americans gave all to keep the flag flying.

The annual picnic and concert is organized by Scott & Brenda Crow of Redemption Ranch. Donations from Howard Inks Jr., Paul & Jennifer Fielder, Thompson Falls Christian Men’s Prayer Group, Internet Kitchen, Frenchy & Bev Cuvillier, Gary & Bonnie Abbot, Thompson Falls Feed & Fuel, Blackfoot Telecommunications, and Turning D Ranch made the event possible this year. Many attendees gladly pitched in when a donation bucket was passed around to help cover costs.

Senator Fielder was so impressed after attending last year, she decided to help organize and sponsor the event in the future. “It was so inspiring to see veterans honored like this last year that I decided to donate half of my legislative salary to this and other charitable volunteer efforts if I got elected. I’m really glad to be able to make good on that pledge. Everyone needs to know they are loved and appreciated, especially our vets.”