John McGruder is a wonderful choice for this year's American Heroes Fourth of July Parade Grand Marshal. I haven't missed many parades in Coeur d'Alene in over four decades and in the majority of those John could be seen as a volunteer in some capacity, most often with the Coeur d'Alene Commodores float. He's the quintessential good citizen, with a heart for giving and always showing up when something needs to be done. And he's a really nice guy, to boot. Congratulations John!

Once again I'll be heading up into the skybox in front of Tito's Italian Grill on Sherman Avenue between 2nd and 3rd Streets for the best view of the Fourth of July parade ... the announcer's booth! While they last I have the red Support Our Troops wristbands to give away before the parade starts.

My little sister Ronna Rankin Park graduated from Coeur d'Alene High School in 1978, 35 years ago. That was the first year the Perfection-Nots came to be. In all of those years Ronna, who lives in Blackfoot, has wanted to march with the group that has been delighting the spectators of the Fourth of July parade. She's on her way home today and will finally make her debut with the group tomorrow, playing a flute.

Organizer Larry Strobel, along with longtime CHS band director John Terris and a hundred or more of their fellow musicians, just get better every year. The Perfection-Nots' outlandish and creative costumes and single annual practice belie the fact that these are some of the best musicians from all corners of our community. The drum major will be Ron Strobel, CHS '80 ... reprising his role from high school.

'Tis the season for motorcycles and bicycles on the roads of our communities. For the sixth year Pastor Jonathan Owens (J.O.) of the Heart of the City Church will preside over the Blessing of the Bikes. Motorcycles, and bicycles, too, will be prayed over for safety as well as their riders and passengers. The public is welcome to attend in the parking lot of the church at 521 W. Emma, just off of Lincoln Way in Coeur d'Alene at 1:15 p.m. on Sunday, July 7. Pastor J.O. will share a brief inspirational word and gift a vest patch and Biker Bible to all attendees.

Blessings are appreciated but motorists also need to be extra vigilant on the road for motorcycles and bicycles. Win, win.

With parade season in full gear, don't forget the new date of the Post Falls Festival and Parade, the second weekend of July. The entry forms for the Saturday, July 13, parade are due on Monday, July 8. In conjunction with the Post Falls Festival this year is the In Color-Jordan Johnson Memorial 5K Fun Run. Color stations along the route will shower the runners with a blast of non-toxic color. Great fun for all ages and a great cause, the Boys and Girls Club of Kootenai County. Participants will join the BGC entry in the parade in all of their colorful glory. Don't miss out, register today! www.northidahobgc.org or 208-457-9089

I shared this heart warming Fourth of July story last year but it's worth sharing again on the eve of Independence Day.

In 1945 Jimmy Randle was serving with the U.S. Marine Corps during the Battle of Okinawa when he was killed in action. Jimmy grew up in Coeur d'Alene on Sherman Avenue. One of his good friends was Jim Shepperd, also a Sherman Avenue boy. Jim Shepperd joined the Navy and went away to war but returned to marry and raise a family and make a life. A dedicated citizen and veteran he's been, not forgetting any of the boys who never made it home from the war.

Over a decade ago Jim Shepperd was collecting worn out flags to be ceremoniously retired by the Boy Scouts when a package within a pile of old flags caught his eye ... and an address- 1810 Sherman Avenue, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. That was the home of his friend from youth, Jimmy Randle. Inside the envelope was a 48-star flag, a flag that had draped Randle's casket and then was sent to his mother over half century before.

Jim kept the flag, believing with all his heart that it was no coincidence he had found that envelope. Now he flies Jimmy Randle's flag every 4th of July and Veterans Day at his Coeur d'Alene home.

A loyal old friend, a veteran blessed with a long life, honoring and remembering a young Marine ... gone and buried 69 years ago. "Oh say does that star-spangled banner yet wave ... o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave." In Jimmy Randle's home town, yes it does.

Happy Birthday today to Jeff Ward and tomorrow to the United States of America and Brent Regan, Chris Atkinson, Joscelyn Ramsey, Jake Campbell, Keri Roybal, MaryBeth Matthews, Dick Lind, Tyson Chamberlain, Britney Davenport, Jack Smetana, Glenda Johnson, Amber Hunt, Teresa Espe and Orla Kahl. On Friday Steve Hanson, John Beutler, Chris Hollibaugh, Kaila Hansen and Amy Dreps are celebrating. Barb McCarley, Bill Brooks, Wade Jacklin and Robin Ducote will blow out the candles on Saturday. Marking birthdays on Sunday are Becky Robison, Susie Jameson, Tim Adams and Susie Sullivan. July 8 is the birthdate of Taryn Thompson, Peter Finney, Bev Hammond, Dawson Brown, Ron Jacaban, Beverly Knapp and Carrie Erickson. On Tuesday Madison King, Jenny Seaman, Brooke Bowers, Loren Mitchell, Brooke Hell, Jenny Joyner and Renee Christensen take another trip around the sun.

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 2013 by the readers of the North Idaho Business Journal. Main Street appears every Wednesday in The Press. Contact Kerri at mainstreet@cdapress.com or find her on Facebook!