Memorial Day event in Bozeman honors fallen heroes, Gold Star families

BOZEMAN, Mont. – Sunset Hills Cemetery in Bozeman became a place of remembrance and honor as the American Legion held its Memorial Day ceremony on Monday. 

The event paid tribute to fallen soldiers from the Civil War to the present, with special recognition for Gold Star families who have lost someone in service. 

Korean War veteran Gilbert Moore attended the ceremony. He said he thinks of his older brother on Memorial Day. 

"He was in the Army Air Corps. Flew P-38s. And he was in the North African campaign and unfortunately was shot down. And we lost him there in 1943,” Moore said. 

He was just ten years old at the time his brother died. 

Moore received a 2025 Gold Star Family coin at the ceremony, acknowledging his brother's sacrifice and the loss felt by his family. His other brother also served, joining the Navy during the latter part of World War II. 

Reflecting on the era, Moore said, "The big thing at that time, of course, had been Pearl Harbor. And everything that followed after that. Saw a great deal of patriotism. Andwe all had to chip in with the war effort." 

Nicole Kardoes, another Gold Star family member, shared her story of loss. Her husband, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Kardoes, passed away in 2022 due to lymphoma caused by toxic burn pit exposure during his Air Force service. He died just one day after his diagnosis. 

Nicole shared her journey with grief and healing with the audience. 

"Mike and I have six amazing kids and now an amazing daughter-in-law, as well. Each kid carries part of Mike with them. Each one of them reminds me of him in a different way, and it's truly beautiful." 

At the ceremony, Nicole highlighted the unique love stories each Gold Star family shares with their fallen hero, whether they were a parent, partner, child, brother or sister. 

"As we remember our heroes today - Memorial Day. As my family approaches three years without Michael, I am honored to look out at all of you. And to add, you to our love story." 

The American Legion hosts this event every year. 

This year the ceremony included several speakers, a flyover, an original song by a Legionnaire about the Vietnam War and the national anthem performed by Opera Montana’s Veterans Chorus. A Legionnaires also fired a 21-gun salute.