East Helena Senior Citizens News

12/09/2024

12/09/2024

Helena, MT – 80 years ago, December 5, 1944, the First Special Service Force held its final formation and deactivation ceremony at Villeneuve-Loubet, France on the Loup River flats. The First Special Service Force was a unique joint Canadian-American top-secret force constituted under COL Robert T...

12/08/2024

12/08/2024

The Vigilant Bands are delighted to extend an invitation to Monday's Winter Concert, a free event open to all.

The student musicians have been tirelessly rehearsing the music, and are excited to share their work with all who can attend. We invite you to join us and support these talented young musicians!

The concert will be recorded and shared shortly after.

🎵🎵Music begins at 7:00 PM 🎵🎵

12/07/2024

December 7th is Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, when Americans commemorate the 1941 attack that brought the United States into World War II. The Japanese attack shocked a nation that had heretofore resisted entering foreign wars by bringing the conflict to its shores. Dozens of stories of heroism emerged after the attacks, including that of the inspiring courage of First Lieutenant Annie G. Fox (Army Nurse Corps), who received a Bronze Star for her actions. The Bronze Star, when awarded for bravery, it is the fourth-highest combat award of the US Armed Forces and the ninth highest military award in the order of precedence.

Lt. Fox was the Station Hospital’s Head Nurse at Hickam Field. The 30-bed hospital opened in November 1941, with six nurses. Lt. Monica E. Conter described the unit as “the happiest group of nurses anywhere, [under] the grandest chief nurse [Fox] who enjoys everything as much as we do.” Fox had joined the Army Nurse Corps in 1918, at the end of the First World War. While no stranger to military service, the surprise attack landed her in combat for the first time. The 47-year-old quickly took control of the situation as bombs rained down on the base.

As Head Nurse, Lt. Fox rallied the nurses and organized the hospital’s response to the assault. The wives of officers and NCOs reported to the hospital to help, and Lt. Fox organized the civilian volunteers to make hospital dressings by the hundreds and assist with patient care. Lt. Fox herself participated in surgery, administering anesthesia, during the heaviest part of the bombardment. Afterwards, she, with the other nurses, tended to the wounded.

On October 26, 1942, in recognition of her efforts, Fox became the first woman in American history to be awarded the Purple Heart medal.

Her citation read in part:
During the attack, Lieutenant Fox in an exemplary manner, performed her duties as head nurse of the Station Hospital… [She] worked ceaselessly with coolness and efficiency and her fine example of calmness, courage, and leadership was of great benefit to the morale of all with whom she came in contact.

Four other Army nurses were also recognized for their performance during the attack. Captain Helena Clearwater, First Lieutenant Elizabeth A. Pesut, Second Lieutenant Elma L. Asson, and Second Lieutenant Rosalie L. Swenson each received the Legion of Merit “for extraordinary fidelity and essential service



Read First Lieutenant Annie G. Fox Bio here:
https://www.womenshistory.org/articles/bravery-army-nurse-annie-g-fox-pearl-harbor

Photo: First Lieutenant Annie G. Fox (Army Nurse Corps) National Archives and Records Administration

12/07/2024

"Day of Infamy"

"Each year, thousands gather on the shores of Pearl Harbor to remember the events of December 7, 1941, reflecting on the lasting impact of that "Day of Infamy" and honoring the members of the Greatest Generation for their sacrifice, courage, and indomitable perseverance.

The 83rd anniversary of Pearl Harbor invites us to focus on the theme of "Forging Ahead," emphasizing not only the historical significance but also the vital role of the younger generation in preserving and honoring this legacy."

https://www.pearlharborevents.com/

12/06/2024

12/06/2024

12/06/2024

This morning, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of California prompting tsunami warnings for millions of people on the Pacific Coast. Luckily, no tsunami was reported.

The quake was picked up on a seismometer here in Helena as the seismic waves traveled through Earth’s crust. No shaking or damage anywhere near our state but it’s cool to see just how far major earthquakes like this can be picked up.

This reading was taken earlier today at the York Bridge seismometer in Helena.

12/06/2024

Colonial Terrace Apartments rent for some of the lowest monthly rates in Helena. They are set to shut down at the beginning of July 2025.

12/05/2024

Chairman of the Little Shell Tribe speaking today at Hometown Helena.

12/05/2024

It's party day! Hope to see you all at 6pm tonight at the Star!

12/05/2024

12/05/2024

The City of East Helena Considering new public drinking ordinanceOrdinance 290 Providing that the East Helena Municipal Code BeAmended by Revising Chapter 6-1-3, Public Drinking, Defining Public Places toPreclude Kennedy Park, Main Street Park, and the Downtown Commercial DistrictAlong Main Street f...

12/05/2024

Republicans in Montana helped block a measure that would bar trans lawmakers from using bathrooms aligned with their gender identities in the state Capitol.