Robert Shoeman believes serving veterans is an honor.

And that service will be recognized on Wednesday when the veterans representative for the Idaho Department of Labor in Post Falls will be escorted on Sherman Avenue as grand marshal for the American Heroes Fourth of July Parade in Coeur d'Alene.

"It's exciting to be a part of the greatest Fourth of July parade in the country," Shoeman said. "Patriotism runs deep in this area. I am grateful for the honor."

The parade, expected to have about 100 entries, starts at 11 a.m. and runs from 15th Street west to the end of Sherman Avenue.

Shoeman said being recognized on America's birthday at an event that honors veterans is overwhelming.

"Veterans represent what this country is about - honesty, integrity, a great work ethic and, above all, patriotism," Shoeman said. "They're a special bunch. I learn something from every veteran who I work with."

Shoeman will be escorted by his wife Cindy in Fernando Ormos' Mercedes 560 convertible in the parade.

Shoeman, a Vietnam-era Navy veteran, has been a vet rep at IDOL for the past 11 years. He has received several awards, including being given the Volunteer Service Award by President George W. Bush.

Last summer he was named the National Local Veterans Employment Representative of the Year by the American Legion.

Shoeman has assisted with the North Idaho Veterans Stand Down and Project Homeless Connect, is state chairman of the Legion's Economic Committee and the employer outreach director for Northern Idaho's Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

Diane Higdem, events coordinator for the Coeur d'Alene Area Chamber of Commerce, organizer of the parade, said Shoeman's "glowing reference" from IDOL co-worker Sara Lamson stood out.

Shoeman said the Fourth and the sacrifices that veterans made should be reminders that freedom shouldn't be taken for granted.

"It's important that we don't forget the beginnings of our country and the principles it was founded upon," he said. "It's a great honor for all of us to have the privilege of being a citizen. Without our founding fathers, we wouldn't be celebrating the Fourth of July."

Other parade entries will include the Spirit of '45: World War II Portraits, the chamber Commodores' pirate ship with Mudgie and Millie, the Asante Children's Choir and surprise entertainment as the crowd awaits the start. The Backwards Bucket Brigade operated by Sandra McGee and her clowns will be accepting donations for the community fireworks show as fundraising is about halfway toward its goal.