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When Fort Missoula was first built in 1877, Western Montana was transitioning from frontier
to civilization, and the Army's presence was seen as a protection during the era of Indian
uprisings. It also brought a steady military payroll to Missoula's young economy.
Fort Missoula would host everything from bicycle-mounted Buffalo Soldiers to an internment camp during
the frightened days of World War 2, a busy place where pics show the march of progress.
Monday that long history came to an end, as the Army handed over control of the final
2-buildings to the Forest Service, part of closing and consolidating bases across the
country...
MAJOR GEN. KAREN LeDOUX/COMMANDING GEN., 88TH REG. SUPPORT COMMAND
"Today is a bittersweet day as the Army closes its last historic building at Fort Missoula.
Fort Missoula has a long and storied history and was a major outpost and an economic driver
as the United States in its infancy expanded westward."
BRIG. GEN. I. NEAL BLACK/COMMANDING GEN. , 364TH SUSTAINMENT COMMAND
"Can you imagine the changes this post has seen? From getting around on horseback and
bicycles to motorized vehicles. But the mission has always been the same. To train soldiers,
to protect the citizens."
With a 21-gun salute, it was time to strike the colors for the final time in 136-years...
(Soundup)
Then, an ROTC solider was given the final assignment at Fort Missoula, carrying the
folded flag across the parade grounds where thousands of soldiers marched over the years...
BLACK "The Army is not leaving Missoula, Montana.
We're still here. We have the National Guard and Army Reserve. We're just in different
locations. But we're still here. We're not leaving."
DB standup "Today's ceremony marks the closing of a chapter
in Western Montana history. But it doesn't erase the legacy of what's happened here,
a central part of the history of the Northern Rockies.
At Fort Missoula, Dennis Bragg, MTN News."