Political Quotes

“I would like to share a few words today to honor the life and service of Private John Shaughnessy, a first- class Montanan and World War I veteran. A native son of the Treasure State, John was born and raised in Missoula. His father, John A. Shaughnessy, was one of Missoula's pioneer builders who constructed a portion of the original buildings at Fort Missoula. Never one to shy away from service or sacrifice, John answered the call to duty at the outbreak of World War I by enlisting in the U.S. Army. He was a member of the 339th Infantry and served in the American North Russia Expeditionary force, more commonly known as the Polar Bear Expedition. During that expedition, Private Shaughnessy sadly contracted and died of pneumonia in Archangel, Russia, on September 15, 1918. He was buried in the American cemetery in the town until his body was able to be removed and returned to Missoula in 1929. While Private Shaughnessy was finally laid to rest in his native land, he never received the proper military headstone he deserved and earned. It is my honor to say today, 104 years after his passing, Private Shaughnessy will at last receive his long-overdue military headstone in Missoula. While our debt of gratitude to him can never be fully repaid, this military honor rightly ensures his sacrifices in service to our Nation will never be forgotten.…”