I wish I had the names of every veteran volunteer from the VFWs, American Legions and Marine Corps League, Submarine Veterans, etc. who without fail organize and facilitate the ceremonies that honor our service members - to thank them personally. These citizens are passionate about remembering their fellow veterans and reminding all of us to do the same. Beyond Memorial Day and Veterans Day 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 in membership of those who served in Vietnam and Iraq. The Young Marines of North Idaho are teens who are learning the time honored traditions modeled by the old guard.

As parade season begins in earnest, please set a good example for the young people 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.

A big weekend 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 21st year of putting on a parade that boasts the world's largest color guard, a giant American flag and three of the huge Ground Force Manufacturing trucks. Clay and James Ownbey will be announcing the parade from the Community 1st Bank parking lot. Did I mention candy? Lots of candy! Come on out at 11 a.m. and see what and who we've got lined up.

Trivia question ... what is the oldest, continuously operating business in Post Falls? The country western watering hole, the Slab Inn, holds that distinction, celebrating its 78th anniversary this week.

Thanks to Jill Satterly for the chuckle ... she spotted a personalized plate in the Albertson's parking lot in Ironwood. It was attached to a new shiny, white 4WD pickup with all the bells and whistles. NO WIFE. :)

Relay for Life in Coeur d'Alene starts Friday at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds with the Survivor Lap at 6 p.m. and continuing overnight with food, music, raffles and lots of walking. A family event that benefits the American Cancer Society, call Suzanna Spencer, (208) 277-7856 for info.

The Special Olympics Area Games are on Saturday at Lakeland High School, starting at 10 a.m. Athletes will compete in basketball, track and field and powerlifting. Aquatiac events will be held in Plummer.

Happy Birthday today to Justin Curtis, Michelle King, Matt Weaver, Chloe Fleming, Sheila Spears and Becky Bridges (50!). On the last day of May Cindy Wood, Lindsay Cantrell, Diane Huber, Peggy Suenkel and Meredith Close (60!) are celebrating birthdays. Friday, June 1 Patrick Booth, Shannon Coles, Tresa Brown, and Vicki White will be blowing out the candles on their cakes. Saturday celebrants include "Big Al" Williams, Mike Alexander, Mitch Alexander, Irene Seidler and Tim Riorden. Matt Boseth, Sharon Timmons, Scott Osburn, Kathy Larson and Matt Hutchison share June 3 birthdays and starting the week wearing party hats will be Nikki Downs, Jessica Downs, Lynsie Odd and Natalie Wyant on Monday and Evelyn Bevacqua, Helen Elder, JaNee Newby and Harold Appleby, Jr (75!) on Tuesday.

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 2012 by the readers of the North Idaho Business Journal. Main Street appears every Wednesday in The Press and Kerri is on the air Mondays and Wednesdays on 1080 ESPN AM (KVNI). Find her on Facebook!