From the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce:

The Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce has selected Lidwina Dirne as the 2011 Grand Marshal of the American Heroes Parade, which will take place at 11a.m. July 4 in downtown Coeur d'Alene.

Ms. Dirne’s personal motto is: “I live to serve others.” This motto was borne out of life trials and triumphs. As a school teacher in her early 20s she lived in the Nazi-occupied Netherlands. She left the ruins of her village and migrated to Canada where she taught in a mission where funding was very limited.  She heard word that there was work in Oregon. On a stop-over in Liberty Lake, parish locals beckoned her to an informal community meeting. Despite aims of her own, her path was now fixed through providence to aid thousands of lives in Kootenai County, and here began a long life dedicated to service in Kootenai County.

There are many inspiring examples of her service to her fellow human beings. One such example is her leadership of a widows and divorcees group. Her longtime friend, Ann Smart, saw something in Lidwina and comments, “She sees needs in the community and is the kind of person that reaches out to help.”

In 1984 Lidwina met Maryellen, a single mother working to provide for her family. Maryellen developed a chronic medical condition. She couldn't afford the time or money to see a physician and Lidwina watched her condition worsen. It was heartbreaking for her to watch as Maryellen began missing work, losing jobs, and struggling to feed her kids. Together with Sandy Mamola and Peggy Irving the three cared for Maryellen. This care led to the establishment of the Dirne Community Health Center.

The Dirne Health Center started as a single evening free medical clinic staffed by volunteers. Physicians, counselors, dentists, nurses were all recruited and shared their time, talents and resources. Some would stay for years; some would volunteer for short periods. Lidwina welcomed them all and remained to thank them when they parted. The numbers of lives she has touched cannot be counted.

Even now into her 90s, she continues to attend Dirne board meetings and shares her soft courage and appreciation to the staff at staff meetings. She continues to develop new concepts for building partners for health, and community groups are still blessed by her continued membership.

In accepting the nomination as Grand Marshal of the American Heroes Parade, Lidwina wishes to recognize all the many great supporters with whom she has worked. She also wishes to honor Jacqes Dirne, her older brother. Lidwina is one of six children. Jacqes was in the Dutch Army when Germany attacked on May 10, 1940. Within four days, the Netherlands had surrendered.

Fragments of the Dutch Army collaborated with Belgian and French troops and, leaderless, were pushed against the sea at the Battle of Dunkirk. English forces mobilized a sealift rescue called “Operation Dynamo.” Jacqes was one of 300,000 soldiers saved on May 24, 1940. This same older brother was part of multinational force that pushed open the beachhead in one of the bloodiest battles of World War II — Normandy. “It was our mother's prayer that saved him,” Lidwina said. “He survived all that, and never - not once - has ever spoken of it to me.”

The 4th of July festivities start with the Backward Parade Bucket Brigade before the 11 a.m. American Heroes Parade, sponsored by Sterling Savings Bank. The brigade helps raise funds for the Community 4th of July Fireworks Fund for the evening show. The Festival, presented by Knudtsen Chevrolet, continues throughout the day with food and craft vendors in the park. The Coeur d'Alene Casino sponsors live music in the City Park. For more information on the activities please visit www.CdAChamber.com.