The Billings community gathered at Dehler Park this Veterans Day to honor active-duty service members and veterans with the dedication of the city’s latest memorial. This tribute, which celebrates Montana veterans who lost their lives in service since the Vietnam War, was spearheaded by Rick Baker from Shepherd and his nonprofit, Hoodies for Heroes.
The ceremony held special meaning for local veterans like Busby native Fred Charette, who joined the Navy in 1954 and served as a machinist mate aboard the USS Valley Forge during the final years of the Korean War. Reflecting on his service, Charette shared, “When it came time to go, we stood up… I proudly served aboard her… guarding the East Coast against sub-mines from Russia.”
Over a hundred community members, veterans, and city officials attended the event, commemorating the new memorial. Rick Baker addressed the crowd, saying, “This belongs to all the friends, families, battle buddies, Montanans, and all Americans.” Baker and Ken Callahan, Hoodies for Heroes’ chairman, both veterans themselves, played key roles in bringing the project to life.
“There’s people that didn’t come home. And that’s why what we did, you know, what we did,” Callahan said, referencing the memorial’s significance. The nonprofit partnered with the community, local businesses, and the state to raise nearly $300,000 of the $400,000 needed. However, Callahan noted that there is still work to be done.
They plan to install an interactive kiosk that will allow visitors to learn more about the fallen veterans. “We’re working for a company to be able to program the kiosk… visitors can click on the kiosk to see all the sponsors and locate different peacekeeping conflicts on the world map behind it,” Callahan explained. “When you go to the killed-in-action list, the names of Montana veterans, like Staff Sergeant Terry Lynch from Shepherd, will light up as you view them.”
Billings Mayor Bill Cole and Governor Greg Gianforte were also present to offer their support. “I’m proud of the fact that we have so many veterans who have served this country in uniform,” said Gianforte. “That couldn’t be clearer than it is today, as we stand together here on this Veteran’s Day to marvel at the construction of this memorial.” Mayor Cole added, “To all our veterans… we appreciate what you did and are doing for the rest of us… your co-workers, neighbors, city, county, state, and country. We also appreciate your families and their sacrifice.”
The day was filled with camaraderie and respect for veterans like Charette. “It is such a tribute to see this memorial and everyone here who has contributed in one way or another to it,” he shared.
The memorial will also host a Memorial Day parade on Friday, May 23.
By: Montana Newsroom staff
