KALISPELL – A Veterans’ Memorial in Kalispell paid tribute to our fallen heroes across the Flathead valley.
The ceremony was centered around a memorial wall that honors those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, including those from Flathead County.
Among the 199 names on the wall is Pvt. Nicholas S. Cook, the only Montanan from Flathead County killed in Afghanistan.
"Nick was a local kid from Hungry Horse, Montana. Small little town by Glacier National Park," said former U.S. Air Force Airman Brian Hattem.
Cook, 19, was killed on March 7, 2010 during Operation Enduring Freedom.
"Nick was under attack. He stood up, wiped out the enemy. Saved his company. He was killed," Hattem said.
Hattem paid tribute to his friend and fallen hero on Memorial Day at the Veterans’ Memorial in Depot Park.
The ceremony is one of the largest in the Flathead Valley.
Vietnam veteran Larry Faloon also paid his respects, recalling how he served alongside some of the those whose names appear on the wall today.
"I was stationed in [inaudible] with the First Infantry Division in 1966 through all of 1967," Faloon said. "A lot of my friends did not come home. A lot did, but a lot didn’t, and I have quite a few on the wall that I know and it’s a very humbling experience. And I thank my lucky stars that I made it out in one piece."
