Free Republic

Two members of the Pipes and Drums of the Black Devils, dressed in kilts, walked slowly on the lawn at Fort Harrison and played the bagpipes they would be using in a ceremony. Their music greeted those who arrived to see members of the First Special Service Force present Fort Harrison, where they prepared for combat 73 years ago, with a replica of the Congressional Gold Medal their unit earned. Their unit was unique. It was made up of American and Canadian soldiers. The First Special Service Force gave birth to subsequent special operations forces in the two countries.

In 2002, the Devil’s Brigade marched on Helena and posted colors at Memorial Park. Surviving members of the World War II fighting force shared stories of landing in Italy, liberating Rome and defeating well-placed German artillery guns. Now, 11 years after their last big ceremony, the nation’s first special operations force may get its day in glory, as a bill to award the Devil’s Brigade the Congressional Gold Medal inches forward in Washington, D.C.

Several veterans in Montana are outraged after the LGBT (Lesbian-Gay-Bisexual-Transgender) pride flag was reportedly flown at the Fort Harrison VA near Helena, Montana earlier this week. The flag was apparently taken down by an outraged veteran, but has now been replaced and is flying right outside the administration building where the Montana VA Director's office is located.