Kalispell, MT – Governor Greg Gianforte on Sep 11th, held a ceremony in Kalispell to remember the lives lost in the deadly terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and to honor three veterans with his Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation.

“Our nation was forever changed 23 years ago by the tragic events that unfolded in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Today, we mourn the unimaginable loss of life, honor the bravery and sacrifice of our first responders, and remind the world that no act of terror could ever shake the values that bind us as Americans.”

The governor ordered all flags in the State of Montana to be flown at half-staff today from sunrise until sunset and asked all Montanans to observe a statewide moment of silence beginning at 6:46 a.m. in memory of the lives lost.

Following a presentation of colors from the Glacier Park VFW Post 2252 and a prayer from Post Chaplain Joe Decree, the governor addressed the community members present for the ceremony in remembrance of the anniversary and to recognize the veteran community for their sacrifice.

“During your military careers, you made tremendous sacrifices in defense of our freedoms and way of life. To all the veterans here today, thank you for your service. It’s because of heroes like you, that we live in the greatest country on Earth,” the governor added.

Continuing with the ceremony, the governor recognized three veterans with the 2023 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation. Presenting each veteran with a flag flown over the state capitol in their honor, he also read of their lives of service to country and their communities upon returning home.

Starting out with U.S. Coast Guard veteran Lori Anne Mathieu, Gov. Gianforte thanked Mathieu for her 32 years of service and recognized her as the only junior officer and first woman in the Coast Guard to command the Department of Defense Joint Service Military Entrance Processing Station and for her success as a recruitment officer.

Recognizing U.S. Navy veteran Wayne R. Sand, the governor outlined Sand’s tenure as an educator in aviation and weather at the University of Kansas, Naval Academy, and the University of Wyoming and his work as a volunteer with several aviation safety organizations.

Ending with U.S. Marine Corps veteran Dustin Andersen, Gov. Gianforte thanked Andersen for his service overseas during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom 5 and 7. The governor also recognized his work with the Flathead County Sheriff's Office and as a recipient of several awards, some of which include the Purple Heart, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the National Defense Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

The governor last week announced he is seeking nominations for the 2024 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation.

The Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation recognizes outstanding Montana veterans who have selflessly served both our nation and our communities. 31 veterans were honored in 2021, 51 in 2022 and 39 in 2023.

The deadline to nominate an outstanding Montana veteran for the 2024 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation is Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, at 11:59 MST. The Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation recipients will be announced on Veterans Day and honored in the new year.

More information about the Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation, including how to nominate a Montana veteran, is available at recognizeveterans.mt.gov.