NECHE, N.D. — There were shivers down Roy Paton’s spine when he and his wife drove by new signs on the highway from the junction of Highway 5 to the Canada border.

The signs, purchased by the Gainer-McAndrew American Legion Post No. 242, bear the name of a man from Neche that gave his life to save others during World War II — Private First Class Henry Gurke.

“I think it’s something that possibly should have been done a long time ago,” Paton said.

A celebration of the signs and remembrance of Gurke is planned for 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Neche fire hall. The North Dakota Legislature made the highway designation, signed into law by Gov. Kelly Armstrong on March 3. Paton expects about 35 to 40 relatives of Gurke’s to attend, along with some individuals who served on the Navy destr

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