Dozens of people gathered at Women's Park on Friday for a veteran resource fair which featured multiple organizations and groups that support veterans and a celebration of America's upcoming 350th anniversary celebration.
Attendees could learn more about organizations like Disabled American Veterans, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the Montana Veteran Affairs and more.
The event was hosted by the Montana VA Health Care System and included speeches and live music from Brett Mondie and Jason DeShaw.
Among the speakers at the event was Montana VA Acting Executive Director Kimberly Adkins, who talked about some history of the military and how veterans deserved care and respect.
"Generation after generation, one thing held us together: The people who raised their right hands and swore to defend this country," she said. "Veterans didn't just protect our democracy; they built it."
Adkins said every generation faced its own battles over the course of America's 250 years. George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and radioman Charlie Dowd were a few names she mentioned in her speech.
"These aren't just names in textbooks. These are moments that made America what it is," Adkins said. "...There is no greater honor in government than giving back to those who served."