This Veteran’s Day, Governor Greg Gianforte announced the 50 recipients of the 2024 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation, a prestigious honor recognizing Montana veterans who have served their country with distinction and made a positive impact in their communities. Among this year’s honorees is White Sulphur Springs’ own Edwin "Eddie" Celander, a beloved local U.S. Army veteran who served from 1953 to 1955.

Eddie’s service took him to Austria, where he was stationed as a “Foreign Observer” for two years. Reflecting on his post, Celander expressed his gratefulness for his assignment location, mentioning that his regiment enjoyed favorable conditions compared to friends stationed in Germany during the same period.

While the commendation recognizes Celander for his past military service, it also honors him for his current and continued contributions to the White Sulphur Springs Community. Celander, a member of the local American Legion chapter, was surprised with the news of his honorary award at the organization’s annual Veteran’s Day Potluck Dinner. "I was very surprised, very honored, and very blessed," Eddie shared, humbly acknowledging the recognition.


Celander, alongside the other 49 recipients, will be honored with an award ceremony and receive a special flag currently being flown over the Montana State Capitol in their honor. Celander has already received a letter from the governor, but the award ceremony and official governor recognition will happen at some point during the early months of 2025. 

Celander remains modest about his achievements, as always, and expressed that it is an honor to be recognized on the state level for his past service. Eddie’s recognition is a reminder of the quiet strength and dedication that veterans like him bring to rural communities. His humility and selflessness continue to inspire those around him, and this award is an acknowledgment of his decades of service to both his country and his neighbors. 

As White Sulphur Springs celebrates Celander’s accomplishments, it is clear that the impact of his service reaches far beyond his time in uniform. Celander’s story is a testament to the enduring legacy of Montana’s veterans, whose contributions shape close-knit rural communities such as Meagher County in ways both large and small. 


Eddie Celander Receives 2024 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation for Service and Community Impact

Local Veteran’s Legacy Celebrated with Statewide Recognition from Governor Gianforte

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