The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1945-09-06
y. F. ". DIST.
Meeting Was
A Success
Plenty of Entertainment
Furnished for Over 200
Registered Guests
MANY DISTINGUISHED
VISITORS PRESENT

Inc DlStrlct Encdmpment OF the
Veterans of Foreign Wars and their
Auxiliary held in Libby Sunday.
Sept. 2, proved to be both interest,"
ing and successful from all vievf
points. With 179 registrations on
the roStrum and able leadership
throughout the convention, the or
ganization felt much worthwhile
material was presented.
The program opened with regis-
tration and was followed later by
an assembly during which Sr. Dept
V. c. John Tomcheck portrayed
the spirit of the American soldier
when he mentioned among other
things that this organization was
made up of men who usually took
the keys to the city, including the
keys to Berlin and Tokyo.
Ernie Wood extended welcome
to the city in behalf Of Mayor E. M.
Boyes, who was unable to attend.
Harold Miller gave the response.
A 4:30 p. m. parade led by colors
of three " F. W. Posts was fol-
lowed by the Jr. v. F. w. BugIe
and Drum Corps of Whitefish, UNI
der the able leadership of Dave
Manary Legion Commander and
Sr. v. c. of the v. F. w. posts of
Whitefish Next in procession was
the Kalispell Auxiliary drill team,
members Of both the Vets and the
Auxiliary, Girl and Boy Scouts OF
Libby and the Libby fire trucks.
Poppy music was furnished by
the Bugle Corps, festive air pre-
dominating among the participants
of the parade and the crowd along
Mineral Ave.
An exceptionally fine perform
ance was put on by the Kalispell
Auxiliary drill team under the
leadership of Past Dist. Commander
Owen Clesen Many Of the visiting
state officers complimented them on
their work saying it was equal to or
better than many drills they had
seen at state conventions.
Following an excellent meal
served army style by the local Aux
iliary at 500 p. m. in the Moose
Hail. the Auxiliary's entertainment
was presented at the hall Past
Department Commander Jack Eng
land, formerly of Whitefish, now Of
Libby presided with Mrs. Harold
Miller serving as song leader.
The address of the evening was
given by |. ]. Meeker, service Of
ficer from, Kalispell Mr. Meeker
spoke briefly but to the point on
conditions effecting the servicemen
returning from the present war
Jean Justus, nurse from Baxter
Hospital, Spokane, was a guest
speaker Miss Justus was nurse
in the last war as well as this war.
She gave an interesting talk on re-
turning service men.
w. r. Littell, editor Of the West
ern News, gave an impromptu
speech on the merits Of the V. F. w.
organization.
Mrs. w. C. collars and Mrs. Oliver
Phillips, accompanied by Miss 1nez
Ratekin at the piano, sang two
numbers which were enjoyed by
the assembly. The Rev Clayton M.
ShotWell was also presented in two
excellent violin numbers and the
musical part of the program con-
cluded with a piano solo by Miss
Inez Ratekin which was highly APP
preciated by all
The Auxiliary played an impor-
tant part in the success of the Dis
trict Encampment Many important
visitors helped make the meeting in
the afternoon interesting and ben
eficial. Those attending from out Of
town include. Mrs. Gertrude Spae-
CONTINUED on page five)