Phillips County Celebrates Memorial Day

The May 30, 2016 Memorial Day was a success in Malta.

Three events were held and enjoyed by many with thanks to the American Legion Auxiliary who sponsored the parade and BBQ, the American Legion who cooked for the BBQ, and the American Legion and VFW who sponsored the Veteran's Park Ceremony.

Charlie Stevens (Sons of the American Legion), was the parade Marshall.

The parade consisted of several merchant and individual floats, flag carrying horse riders, kids on bikes, and community service vehicles with bells and whistles a blowing.

One float in particular caught the interest of many, "We call it the Geizmo but I like the reference to it as the Wounded Warrior Wheel. That's what it was called in the paper to honor wounded warrior's," stated owner Jerry Larsen of Hinsdale, Mont.

"I went by the Mid Rivers Co. in Circle, Mont., and their yard was full of those wheels. So I stopped and told them I had this idea for a parade attraction. So they gave me all the wheels if I bring it back and drive it in their parade," relayed Larsen in an interview at the Phillips County News on Thursday, June 9.

Larsen started the project three years ago, and two years ago he fulfilled his promise and went back to Circle to the Appreciation Day held in September.

"It's a pretty big gathering," shared Larsen.

When asked if he had driven the Geizmo in other parades, Larsen listed, "Oh yes. I take it to Culbertson for the Thrashing Bee, Scobey for the Pioneer Days, Opheim Rodeo, and Hinsdale July 4th."

If you haven't seen the Geizmo, these parades offer plenty of opportunities to catch the action.

The Geizmo (or Wounded Warrior Wheel as printed in the Phillips County News June 8, 2016) earned first place in the May 30, 2016 Memorial Day parade in Malta. "It was a dandy parade. There was about anything you wanted to see," commented Larsen.

Larsen went on to describe what all was used to create the Geizmo. "All it is, is two big wheels with a forward band and a reverse band. Right behind me is a motor and transmission that drives the little wheels (inside the big wheels). That's the driving mechanism. So you can go forward and backward but in parades you need to watch out for classic cars and kids," chuckled Larsen.

The Memorial Day ceremony was held at Veteran's Park on first street in Malta. Those gathered enjoyed the sunny day and despite the wind many sat in the chairs provided, or in their parked cars within view or stood watching and listening.

The program started with a poem read by Kari Hould (VFW & Am. Legion Auxiliary) in honor of Gold Star Mother, Mae Walsh who's son, Truman Walsh, was killed in the Vietnam war. Mae was presented with the poem, yellow roses and an American flag.

Pastor Kent Gordon (Army SFG) then gave a prayer for all those who passed while serving and continued with a speech on how to continue to honor those who had fallen and comfort those who remain.

Don Klinko (USAF LTC) relayed the reason for each fold of the United States of America flag while Ken Wiederrick (CPT NG) and Gordon demonstrated.

A seven member Firing Squad gave a 21 gun salute to honor the fallen followed by Taps played by Dale Bruckner (Sons of the American Legion).

Following the Veteran's Park ceremony, the American Legion Auxiliary, with the help of the American Legion and the use of the VFW Club, put on a BBQ.

American Legion Auxiliary President Krista Fahlgren opened the proceedings with an introductory speech.

A blessing was given by Pastor Kent, all present stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance and Jayce Murdock sang the Star Spangled Banner acapella.

American Legion Secretary Treasurer Carolyn Schmoeckel stated in a phone interview on Friday, June 10, "there were 41 military and 128 civilians who signed in. Out of 120 hamburgers and 80 hot dogs only eight hot dogs were left. A beautiful cake was made by Susan Hungerford and donated by the First State Bank."

Fifty red, white and blue pinwheels were handed out to children and some adults. There were door prizes by local merchants and 'thank yous' were sent to all who donated a door prize.