The dedication of the Montana Naval Forces Monument kicked off at 12:30, June 28, 2008. There were representives from the Coast Guard and the US Navy. The Lieutenant Governor, a US Senator and a whole bunch of veterans were there. Tim Burmeister photo.

Honored guests included Lucile Russell, who christened the "Jim Bridger" in 1942, and Wally Morger, who fought on Iwo Jima. The flag that was raised over Iwo came off of the Victory Ship "Missoula". Tim Burmeister photo

Nora Nelson, the first individual donor to the Monument fund, was a welder in the Oregon shipyards during WWII and worked on the ship next to the "Loma". She watched the christening of the "Loma". She knows everyone, including Lieutenant Governor Bolinger. Tim Burmeister photo