Veteran’s Day Observances in Hamilton and Corvallis

Three separate events will commemorate Veteran's Day in Hamilton and Corvallis Wednesday, November 11. The day, formerly known as Armistice Day, celebrated the ending of World War One, on the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh year - November 11, 1911. Of course, that was not the only world war, and the day was expanded to salute all who have defended the country through the years.

The first gathering will be on Corvallis' Main Street, when a small group of veterans will march with flags from Corvallis High School the length of the street, then turn and march back. The event,, which started about 20 years ago by Corvallis American Legion Post 91, is in addition to their annual Memorial Day parade. The Corvallis Post, by the way, started in 1937.

At 11 a.m. the second year of a new tradition will happen - the ringing of bells. Hamilton American Legion Post 47 will gather at the Ravalli County Museum at South 3rd and Bedford, near the WWI Doughboy statue to ring the old Grantsdale School bell. At the same time, according to Post Commander Ruth Bizarro-Cook, churches throughout the area are planning to ring their bells to mark the 11th hour of the 11th day. The 100th anniversary of Armistice Day was last year and was the first year for the bell-ringing.

Post 47 will return to the Doughboy statue at 2 p.m. Wednesday to lay wreaths at the foot of the statue and salute the veterans of all ages and all armed services (see photo below). Due to COVID-19 restrictions, no indoor ceremonies will be conducted in the Ravalli County Museum, but a short outdoor presentation is planned.

The public is invited to all the events, but please wear masks and be aware of social distancing.

In a related story from American Legion Post 47, fundraising is continuing to pay for the roof repairs that were done this summer at the South 2nd Street building. Commander Cook said they have an online auction, currently underway at 32auctions.com/americanlegionpost47. There are over 70 items and bidding will conclude at 6 p.m. Monday, November 16.