July 17, 2025
Hey Y’All,
We’re going to pick up where we left off last week, with some comments from Lewis and Clark County Sheriff Leo Dutton. When we ran out of time a week ago we were asking him about ‘Fire and ICE.’ He may have further comments on either or both of those subjects this week, in addition to anything else he would like to share with Hometown Helena about what’s happening at his Office or in the County. I know for a fact that there were promotions at the Office this week, only because my son-in-law was promoted to Lieutenant. Congratulations Lieutenant Eric Gilbertson!
We’re also going hear from Josh Clemment and Chuck Butler, with the Helena Ambassadors, about plans already underway for the celebration of Independence Day next year at Centennial Park. July 4, 2026 will be the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. It is almost impossible to adequately express the importance of this document to the history of the United States of America; and indeed to the entire world. That document set human kind on a journey, a path we are still walking. It is a path toward dignity and equality for all creatures on this beautiful blue orb that we call planet earth.
The Helena Ambassadors (those men and women in the red coats you see at Chamber of Commerce events) decided some fourteen (14) years ago that the Capital city needed to celebrate Independence Day. The big flag—Old Glory—had been recently installed at Centennial Park, so that seemed a perfect opportunity to honor the day by raising the flag. Now, the flag arrives by helicopter, courtesy of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, and is carried to the flag pole by the Scouts from Troops 214 and 207. It goes up the pole to the sound of American tunes, and the Pledge of Allegiance. The Ambassadors thought that a family, fun, community event ought to go along with the flag raising, so they recruited a number of sponsors to serve hot dogs and root beer floats. And the rest, as they say, is history. Over the years the event has grown in scope and popularity. There is a bounce house for the kids, booths from the Helena Farmers Market, Engines from the Helena Fire Department and the surrounding Volunteer and Rural Fire Districts as well as Fort Harrison. Veterans and all First Responders are recognized for their service and sacrifices. The City Parks and Recreation Department keeps the Park looking beautiful for the event every year. All in all it’s a special, unique Helena celebration.
And next year promises to be another great event as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. So c’mon down to Helena College this Thursday to learn more about it from Chuck Butler and Josh Clemment. Or Zoom into the meeting from your home or office, courtesy of Aja Rail and the good people at Pinion.
Jim Smith
406-949-1002
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