Construction of "a new house of learning" began Wednesday when Joseph Medicine Crow joined School District 2 officials, community members and Crow tribal leaders to break ground on the middle school that is to bear the dignitary's namesake.

The phrase was Medicine Crow's as he addressed a crowd of perhaps 100 who had gathered on the campus for the new school in the Billings Heights, the first public school to be constructed in Billings in nearly 30 years.

"Right now, work is in process to build a new house of learning, a new school right here," Medicine Crow said.

At 101 years old, Medicine Crow is the oldest living Crow veteran and often considered the last Plains War chief for deeds performed during World War II. He's alsoa scholar, author and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

The decision to name the school in his honor had generated controversy after school board trustees selected it over options that had received more votes in a public survey.

On Wednesday, the feeling was of warmth, honor and awe.

Bouck presented the honorary guest with a blanket, which was draped over Medicine Crow's lap as he addressed the crowd in Apsaalooke and English.

"Billings is, like me, getting older," Medicine Crow joked. "But also, like me, better."

Wearing a headdress, sunglasses and a trio of honorary medals, he called the city his "second town," adding that he's been coming to Billings for the past 100 years.

"Billings is my town, and I'm certainly proud and glad to see Billings growing bigger and better in the field of education," Medicine Crow said.

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Medicine Crow speaks at groundbreaking for new middle school