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Committee hears joint resolution recognizing 80th anniversary of end of World War II and Montana service
Summary
Senate Joint Resolution 20, recognizing the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and honoring Montana veterans and wartime contributions, drew proponents including veterans groups and heritage organizations and will be amended to use the term 'Native Americans' in one clause.
Senate Joint Resolution 20, recognizing the eightieth anniversary of the end of World War II and honoring Montanans who served or contributed to the wartime effort, was presented to the Senate Education Committee and received several proponents including veterans and heritage representatives.
Senator Mike Cuff (sponsor) read portions of the resolution describing Montana’s wartime contributions: mobilization of approximately 75,000 Montanans during World War II, service of tribal members (including code talkers), the First Special Service Force training in Montana and air-force training activity in Great Falls and Malmstrom-area bases. Supporting testimony came from Raymond K. Read of the Montana Military Museum/American Legion and Dwayne Cunningham, adjutant for the American Legion, who emphasized the dwindling number of World War II veterans in Montana and urged passage.
Chris Averill of the Montana 250 Commission also supported the resolution and suggested it could be developed into curriculum for students.
Committee discussion and an amendment
A committee member asked that the fourth “whereas” clause replace the word “Indian” with “Native American” to reference tribal veterans; the sponsor agreed to prepare the amendment. No opponents testified.
Why it matters: The resolution memorializes Montana’s World War II service, highlights contributions by tribal citizens (including code talkers), and was described by proponents as an opportunity to incorporate related history into education and local commemorations.
Disposition: The hearing closed with sponsor remarks; committee action to adopt the proposed wording change was requested and the sponsor agreed to prepare the amendment for committee consideration.
