POST FALLS - Len Crosby showed up early to the Evergreen Cemetery Monday morning to make sure everything was in place.

Crosby, a member of the American Legion Post 143, organized the Memorial Day ceremonies that honored our veterans and first responders that have fallen in the line of duty.

He organized the American Legion Honor Guard, the Post Falls Police Honor Guard, the Fort Sherman Chapter of the Disabled American Veterans, the Patriot Guard Riders, the American Legion Auxiliary, Military Officers Association of American, the veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Catholic Veterans Association.

When a crowd of 300 spectators showed up, Crosby stepped back and let the ceremony take over.

American Legion Commander Steve Hanson welcomed the crowd and handed the microphone over to Post Falls Mayor Clay Larkin.

"Please remember what this is all about, today as we gather to remember those who made the supreme sacrifice," Larkin said, adding it warmed his heart to see such a huge attendance at the event.

"We have a huge crowd today," the mayor said. "I can remember just a few years ago we were lucky to have 15 or 20 people."

He introduced Cathyanne Nonini, who played the national anthem on a violin, and was followed by Post Falls Distinguished Young Woman Marissa Leupold, who led the pledge of allegiance.

Then eight wreaths were placed to honor all veterans, officers and first responders. The Legion added a ninth wreath to honor former Post Commander John Dunlap.

Idaho State Representative Frank Henderson, R-Post Falls, said he was honored to speak on behalf of the World War II veterans.

"Tom Brokaw has called our generation the Greatest Generation, but most of us know that we are not the greatest," he said. "Five years after our war ended, another great generation stepped up and went to war in Korea.

"And then there is what I consider to be the greatest generation and they fought in Vietnam," he continued. "And now we have a new generation fighting the war on terror in Iraq and Afghanistan."

Henderson said all of those generations have been great in their own right, and deserve to be recognized as such.

Post Falls Councilman Skip Hissong, a Vietnam veteran, took the microphone after Henderson.

"First of all, I would have to argue with Frank," Hissong said. "He truly is the greatest generation."

He told the crowd that there is very little his words can do to honor the nearly 60,000 American soldiers who were killed in action, and the 1,600 troops that went missing in action in Vietnam.

"Then there are the 1.5 million Americans who came home to less than a warm welcome," he said. "They need to be honored too."

The Vietnam War changed America's view of the military, he said. Americans started viewing the military as a problem rather than a solution.

But despite their unwelcome return, Hissong said many of the Vietnam survivors shrugged it off and soldiered on.

"It was the Vietnam vet that swore that no one would come home from a war again without a warm welcome," he said, adding it is the Vietnam vets who are welcoming our soldiers home today.

"This may be 40 years late," Hissong said. "But thank you for your service and welcome home."

Kootenai County Fire Chief Dan Ryan spoke on behalf of the Gulf War veterans. He served two tours in Iraq as a National Guardsman.

"Personally I have never felt worthy enough to stand among many of you today," he said. "Wars have changed us in many ways."

Ryan said the War on Terror has been fought differently than the wars of the past. The new wars are fought with more technology and soldiers have more opportunity to stay connected with their loved ones.

But it is still hard, he added, especially for the soldiers in the National Guard.

"They put their lives on hold, and their families and spouses are left behind," he said. "I've always said my wife had a tougher job than I did."

He said this generation of soldier is faced with new challenges, however. Many who have returned home are finding it difficult to adjust back into society, and they are committing suicide at an alarming rate.

"I know there are things being done to help them," he said, adding we could do a lot more.

Ryan said local employers and the general public should be noted for their support as well.

"Local employers have been great. They give and continue to give to support our troops," he said. "And the public support when we returned was more than anyone could have expected."

In the end, a benediction was given and Len Crosby got the microphone back.

He read off the names of 27 servicemen who have made the ultimate sacrifice, followed by a five-gun salute.