Family reunion traditions and connection in Billings

Over the Fourth of July weekend, more than 60 members of the Solberg family gathered in Billings, Montana, for a heartfelt family reunion. Relatives traveled from across the state and the nation to reconnect, share stories, and honor their heritage.

 

A highlight of the reunion was a visit to The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. This traveling exhibit was stationed at Will James Middle School from July 2 to July 5, 2026, offering the community an opportunity to pay tribute to the over 58,000 service members who lost their lives during the Vietnam War. ([veteransnavigation.org](https://www.veteransnavigation.org/communityevents/the-wall-that-heals-billingsmt?utm_source=openai))

 

For Carl Solberg, a Vietnam veteran residing in Billings, the reunion was particularly meaningful. Over the years, Carl has meticulously compiled photographs, documents, and stories, tracing the family's journey from Norway to northern Montana, where his father homesteaded in Phillips County in 1912. His collection includes images dating back to his great-grandparents from 1858.

 

The reunion was organized by Karen Allery of Glendive and drew relatives spanning four generations. The gathering provided an opportunity for family members to meet cousins for the first time and strengthen familial bonds. As one attendee noted, "It's wonderful to have family who are your friends."

 

The timing of the reunion coincided with the presence of The Wall That Heals in Billings. The exhibit, which includes the replica wall and a mobile education center, was open to the public 24 hours a day during its stay. The opening ceremony took place on July 2, with a candlelight vigil held on July 3. ([billingsmt.gov](https://billingsmt.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=19210&calType=0&day=1&month=7&year=2026&utm_source=openai))

 

For Carl, visiting the wall with his family was an opportunity to share another chapter of his life. He reflected on the five individuals from Phillips County who perished in the war, including friends whose names are inscribed on the wall. Among them is Richard Duane Appelhans of Dodson, whose remains have never been recovered.

 

The visit also evoked memories for Carl's nephew, Orvin Solberg, who recalled sending recorded messages to his uncle during Carl's service in Vietnam. He emphasized the importance of preserving these stories for future generations, stating, "As you get older, you hope that the young people really do hang on to some of the memories because it is really neat history."

 

The Solberg family's reunion was not only a celebration of their shared history but also a commitment to ensuring that the stories of their ancestors and those who served are carried forward by the next generation.