For the first time in Heritage Days history, Columbia Falls' town celebration began with an opening ceremony.

On Monday, townsfolk gathered at Marantette Park to enjoy barbecue, the company of neighbors and a salute to the United States armed forces.

"We decided to expand Heritage Days in conjunction with the Glacier centennial," said Heritage Days chairman Matt McConville. "I hope we're able to bring a lot of people to the community as Columbia Falls is continuing to grow and gain notoriety."

McConville said the opening ceremony was particularly important to honor the military.

"Without our military, we wouldn't probably have a gem like Glacier National Park."

The ceremony featured patriotic music by the Columbia Falls United Methodist Church choir, vendors, games for kids, a magic show and a number of speakers, including Mike Shepard, city council member and Vietnam veteran; Chas Cartwright, Glacier National Park Superintendent; and Ryan Zinke, retired Navy SEAL and a Montana state senator.

"Columbia Falls serves as the primary gateway to all forks of the Flathead River and Glacier, a place we all hold near to us," Cartwright said.

Cartwright continued, noting the importance of the relationship between the city and the Park.

"The story of this landscape is much older then 100 years and it will continue," he said. "As a gateway to Glacier, the community of Columbia Falls is an integral part of the story of Glacier National Park. We have the opportunity to rededicate ourselves to this place that we cherish as we move into the second century of incorporated Columbia Falls and Glacier National Park."

Zinke gave a message of gratitude to the men and women who serve in the U.S. military. He recalled watching Memorial Day parades as a child and noticing that the veterans were mostly old men. Zinke smiled wryly as he noted that he is now, after a career in the U.S. Navy, an old man himself.

"The veterans that fight today, fought yesterday and will fight tomorrow are not old men — they're our kids," he said. "The average age of a SEAL is 23, the oldest in the special forces. The average age of a Marine is 20 years old.

"Montana per capita has more kids join the military than any other state," he said. "Montana has a legacy of military operations because we're patriots and we understand the value, we understand that freedom isn't free. Our military is a reflection of a great nation. So when you see a sailor, a marine, a soldier or an airman, thank them."

As a fitting conclusion to the ceremony, a bald eagle was spotted circling the park. Necks craned to watch the majestic bird in flight.

Heritage Days events continue this weekend with the Wildc/kat Athletic Endowment Association barbecue and auction Friday night at the Columbia Bar and NRA rodeo at the Bue Moon Bar and Grill. Also Friday is the unveiling of the Cosley Collection at Discovery Square. Saturday will be a busy one with the Boogie-to-the-Bank run, the 3-on-3 Tourney, parade, wild horse drive, Larchwood Regatta, barn dance and another rodeo. Sunday features a community church service at Marantette Park and the Wildc/kat golf tournament.