HELENA — All of the flags at the Montana state capitol are at half-staff on Wednesday to honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost during the 9/11 terrorist attacks that happened 23 years ago.

The attacks occurred in Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., and New York, where Kevin Shea was a fire lieutenant. 



He was one of the firefighters who responded that day. 



“Climbing around on a pile of rubble looking for survivors, and there wasn’t any, and I got to say, and my friends too, it’s the most work I ever did in my life for no reward. It only took a few days to realize there’s not much happening here. Now we’re looking for bodies or fragments of bodies so that a wife or children could have some closure,” Shea said.



The Department of Justice hosted the remembrance on Wednesday afternoon, with roughly 50 people in attendance, including law enforcement officers from different branches.

Allie Kaiser MTN News



A bell was rung 21 times, mimicking a 21-gun salute, and Amazing Grace was played on bagpipes.



Shea spoke at the event about what it was like to see the attacks unfold.

Shea said, “We were overwhelmed, and we needed help, and we had to accept help from firefighters all over the country.” 



He says some people no longer realize the gravity of the attacks.

Allie Kaiser MTN News

“Some newer generations make funny memes or cartoons about 9/11 just because it’s old, and I think that’s a shame. They don’t feel somebody else’s pain, and to think that pain not coming again in some way, shape, or form is naive,” said Shea. 



Shea says reminding his loved ones how much he cares for them is the most important of all the lessons learned.

Shea said, “Life is short. This whole situation is temporary at best. What do they say about life? It’s hard to get out alive.”

The Montana Military Museum is also holding a display with a special 9/11 commemoration flag that contains all the names of those who died during the attacks.

ALBERTON — A Mineral County Vietnam veteran was honored with the Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation on Tuesday.

Paul Manson’s commitment to his country and community was commemorated during a ceremony attended by Gov. Greg Gianforte.

“I’m surprised, I never thought the governor would come to visit me,” said Mason who received the honor in recognition of his service both overseas and in his community here at home.

In addition to the award, the Gov. Gianforte also gave Manson a Montana flag that flew over the Capitol.

Always humble, Manson was surprised and appreciative of all those who gathered to celebrate him.

“I try to fly under the radar. I know it doesn’t sound that but with the crowd, but I tried to do that.”

Milo McLeod — a friend of Manson’s from their time in the Montana Army National Guard — says Manson has definitely earned the spotlight.

“Oh, it means a lot to me. I was very pleased to hear that Paul was getting the award and wouldn’t want to miss it for the world.”

McLeod remembers his service with Manson fondly as well as the impact that Mason had on others.

“He knew his people. He knew their strengths, he knew their shortcomings and was a top notch leader.”

Manson says his years with the U.S. Army taught him leadership — a passion he does not plan to give up on anytime soon.

“We’re still here to serve other people. We’re, I’ve lived this long, as long as I keep on kicking, I’ll keep on working,” Manson said.

Writing Coaches of Montana seeks community members in Flathead County to participate in its coaching program with the mission of helping local public school students in Columbia Falls, Evergreen, Kalispell and Whitefish improve their writing skills. 

Specifically, the program seeks to help students think critically about their writing assignments so they can become confident and competent writers across disciplines. Flexibility is built into the Writing Coaches of Montana volunteer experience. Once trained, there is no minimum hour requirement or coaching schedule. Instead, volunteers are informed by staff as teachers make requests and then volunteers choose which assignments, schools and grade levels, 4-12, they coach. No experience is necessary.  

To become a volunteer, community members can attend an upcoming training session on Thursday, Sept. 19, 5:30-8:30 p.m. via Zoom. For individuals who cannot attend on Sept.19, WCM will offer in–person workshops regularly for the remainder of the school year. WCM staff will be available for follow-up questions at any time.  

“I love the writing coaches’ organization and all they’ve done for my students,” said Kristi Sanders, Kalispell Middle School teacher. “It is wonderful to watch my teenage students light up as they share their writing with someone who really listens to them and hears their intent with respect and enthusiasm.”  

Community members interested in learning more about the program and to volunteer can contact Jeanne Wdowin at jeanne@writingcoachesofmontana.org  or visit www.writingcoachesofmontana.org.