Memorial Day weekend turned out much better weather-wise than had been forecast, especially on Monday. While that might be one of the reasons that the three Memorial Day ceremonies we attended were the best attended in recent memory, I'd also like to think that patriotism and gratitude played an equally important role.I wish I had the names of every veteran volunteer from the VFWs, American Legions and Marine Corps League who without fail organize and facilitate the ceremonies that honor our service members so I could thank them personally. These citizens are passionate about remembering their fellow veterans and reminding all of us to do the same. These citizens volunteer to provide the rituals each veteran deserves upon their passing ... color guard, rifle guard, bugler and the respectful folding and presentation of the flag.

I saw much gray hair on the heads of these veteran volunteers, many with service in World War II, and am encouraged with the growth of organizations with members who served in Vietnam, like the Legion Riders and Combat Vet Riders. The Young Marines of North Idaho are teens who are learning the time honored traditions modeled by the old guard.Now as parade season begins in earnest, please set a good example for the children by removing your hats and placing your hand over your heart as the American flag passes by. And for good measure thank these men and women you see for continuing to serve long after their military service has ended.

***Quite a week coming up in Post Falls ... Friday kicks off the three-day Post Falls Days celebration at Q'emilin Park. The City's website, www.postfallsidaho.org, has a great interactive link to see maps of the park and the list and location of vendors and entertainers. On Saturday morning I'll join my merry band of parade organizers for the 20th year of putting on a parade that boasts the world's largest color guard, a giant American flag and a couple dozen flag-flying Harleys. Come on out at 11 a.m. and see what we've got lined up.

***The Jazz program at Lake City High School is hosting Spring Swing at 7 on Friday night. The dance is open to the public and your $10 ticket gets you dessert, too. Not to mention that all proceeds go directly to the LCHS band program.

***Congratulations to the Slab Inn, celebrating its 77th anniversary this weekend. The country western watering hole has the distinction of being the oldest, continuously operating business in Post Falls.

***Wish a happy birthday today to Mike Alexander, Patrick Booth and Vicki White. NIC's "Big Al" Williams and Ilene Seidler celebrate tomorrow. Kathy Larson, Scott Osburn and Matthew Hutchinson share birthdays on Friday. June 4 is the birthdate of Natalie Wyant and Lynsie Odd. JaNee Newby, JR Appleby, Helen Elder and Evelyn Bevacqua were born on June 5. My sweet friend, DeDe Tondee marks another year along with Don Wilhelm and Wendy English on Monday. On Tuesday my sweetheart Bert, Brad Corkill, Dennis Stitt and John Hough are the birthday boys.***

THERE'S MORE: New stories and photos almost every day at More Main Street. Photos from three Memorial Day ceremonies and high water running over the Post Falls dam and at Corbin Park. There's a link also for adding your birthday to the Main Street Birthday Club!***

Kerri Rankin Thoreson is a member of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists and the former publisher of the Post Falls Tribune. She was voted Best Local Writer for 2010 by the readers of the North Idaho Business Journal. Main Street appears every Wednesday in The Press. More Main Street blog is at http://moremainstreet.blogspot.com. Listen to Main Street Monday on KVNI AM1080. Kerri can be reached at mainstreet@cdapress.com