The Montana Veterans Memorial Association (MVMA) has announced the program for the 21st Annual Memorial Day Ceremony, to be held at the Montana Veterans Memorial beginning at 1 p.m. on Monday, May 25, 2026.
MVMA Vice President Gina Winters will open the ceremony with a welcome to guests and participants.
Tom Wylie, Sports Director at KRTV, will serve as master of ceremonies and present “The Montana Tapestry: People and Places from 1776 to Today.”
Author, historian, and retired United States Navy Capt. Ken Robison will share his Memorial Day reflections.
A highlight of the event will be a ceremonial flyover of the memorial conducted by an aircrew flying a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft assigned to the Montana Air National Guard’s 120th Airlift Wing, honoring U.S. military personnel who have died in service.
Military members from Malmstrom Air Force Base will participate in the ceremony. 341st Operations Support Squadron Commander Lt. Col. Brian Chetkowski will serve as the keynote speaker, Chaplain (1st Lt.) Sean Barley will deliver the invocation, and members of the Malmstrom Honor Guard will present the colors.
Youth involved in Scouting America programs will lead attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Musical selections will be performed by the Great Falls Municipal Band, including a “Patriotic Medley” and the “Armed Forces Medley,” featuring the official songs of the six military branches.
The Sound of the Falls Chorus will perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” and an additional medley honoring the armed forces.
Great Falls Pipe Band member Jesse Callender will perform the “Bagpipe Salute.”
Rev. Dawn Skerritt of the First United Methodist Church will provide the closing benediction.
The ceremony will conclude with the sounding of Taps by Great Falls Municipal Band trumpet player Kurt Mueller.
The Montana Veterans Memorial is located at 1025 25th Street North in Great Falls, Montana.
By Eric Peterson, MVMA Public Affairs: May 7, 2026 -Great Falls, Mt
