BILLINGS — Salutes and honor was given Monday to veterans across Billings.
Local students, staff, family and friends off all ages, took time to commemorate Veterans Day. Although Americans appreciate the sacrifices and service veterans devote to our country every day, more remembered to pause on Monday.
U.S. Sen. Steve Daines of Montana appeared at both Will James Middle School and Montana State University Billings for their Veterans Day ceremonies.
"It's such a great thing to have these events across Montana, right here at Will James. You get to hear about the greatness of our country, and most importantly, the greatness of our veterans," Daines said.
At MSU Billings, a bell was rung and Taps was played, all part of the honor given to veterans every Nov. 11.
Honor tolls seven times out of respect. But what is the meaning behind the honor bell's seven tolls?
Toll One: The Choice to Serve
Toll Two: Camaraderie
The third: Patriotism
Toll Four: Respect
Toll Five: Dignity
Toll Six: Honor
Toll Seven: Value of Life
Daines was raised in Montana and his father was a United States Marine who enlisted in Billings.
"These values of service and sacrifice. Something I was taught at an early age by my dad, and I am grateful for his legacy and service. It is such a great thing to have events like this across Montana and right here at Will James where the students get to hear about the greatness of our country and most importantly the greatness of our veterans," he said.
Daines said it is a really great thing for our country, for the students to see the importance of the U.S. military, our veterans, their service and sacrifice.
"They are there to serve us, to defend us, to protect us. The same thing is true back in Washington," Daines said. "We come together, Republicans and Democrats, and... support our veterans. It's one of the few issues that brings everyone together and I am grateful that it does," he said.
