Opheim Memorializes Those Lost

The 2018 Opheim Memorial Day program was held on May 28, at the Opheim School gymnasium under the direction of the Charles Carrignan Legion Post #122. Nina Walstad played several patriotic songs on the piano. Legion member Virgil Nelson welcomed everyone and thanked everyone for coming. He noted that it was 50 years ago that he was drafted. He also noted that the Opheim Legion gave a scholarship to each of Opheim’s graduates, Cade Anderson, Shelby Fuhrmann and Haylee Fauth. He led the group in the opening prayer.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by everyone and Shelby Fuhrmann sang the national anthem. Nelson asked all of the veterans to stand and be recognized with a hand clap. Auxiliary President Gretchen Westby thanked everyone for coming and for supporting the Legion and Auxiliary. Darleen Nordhagen of Billings, who is also a member of the Opheim Auxiliary, told about the different veterans’ hospitals and homes in Montana and the services that they provide.

Rylee Nelson played “America” on the piano. Fuhrmann and her younger sister, Mandy, sang “Amazing Grace.” They also sang “God Bless America,” with Nina Walstad accompanying on the piano.

Janet Bailey asked Darrell Nordhagen to be recognized as it was 70 years ago that he was in Basic Training at Shepherd AFB in Texas, where he recently visited. She then read “The Story of Taps” and the words to the song.

Virgil Nelson introduced the guest speaker, Jay Taylor. Taylor was born in Whitefish, Mont., and after several moves settled with his parents in Idaho Falls, Idaho. It was here that he graduated from high school. He joined the Army in 1988, enlisting as a field artillery surveyor. He was also trained as a forward observer and a fire direction specialist. He left active duty in 1999, and joined the Idaho Army National Guard while attending Idaho State University. In 2002, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English and history. He returned to active duty commissioned as a field artillery officer and served for 12 more years. He retired with the rank of Major in 2014.

Taylor has been awarded the Bronze Star, three Meritorious Service Medals, five Army Commendation Medals and six Army Achievement Medals. His overseas tours include Germany, Korea and Iraq. He has completed a Master of Arts degree in management and leadership and will complete a Master of Arts in teaching in 2019. We are privileged to have Jay and his wife, Nikki, and two of their children, Cole and Carrie, in Opheim, where they moved four years ago. We are also privileged to have the Taylors in our school system, where Jay is the guidance counselor and physical education teacher.

Mr. Taylor began his speech by reading “In Flanders Field.” He said now that winter is over and summer is near, today, Memorial Day is all about service and sacrifice. He related that the men and women who went off to war and sacrificed their lives never had a chance to say “goodbye,” but their sacrifice will always be remembered.

Nelson closed the program with a prayer and Taps were played by Kent Nelson. 

A roast beef dinner was served by the Opheim American Legion Auxiliary.