COEUR d'ALENE - The wind whipped Old Glory and the black POW/MIA flag against the overcast sky, momentarily rattling the new flagpole as American Legion member Jacques Croom Sr. read the dedication.

"This occasion has special significance for members of American Legion Kootenai Post 14 and all other veterans because we have carried the Stars and Stripes into battle in many foreign lands, on hostile seas and against enemy forces around the globe," said Croom, of Coeur d'Alene. "I've seen many men and women sacrifice their lives in defense of our flag. We have draped the coffins of those comrades with the Stars and Stripes as a token of our respect. Above those resting places, we keep Old Glory waving proudly as continuing tribute to their courage and sacrifice."

More than 60 people attended the flag pole dedication ceremony and open house Saturday afternoon at Mountain Lakes Bible Church, the new home of American Legion Post 14. Navy veteran and Post Commander Pat Shelly of Coeur d'Alene said they chose Saturday for the event because it was also Armed Forces Day, an American holiday to recognize and thank military members for their patriotic service.

"We picked this day intentionally to hold our open house," he said. "Hopeful and excited, that we are."

Among those in attendance was Coeur d'Alene City Councilman Dan Gookin.

"We appreciate the sacrifices you've made for our country and we really think you've made Coeur d'Alene proud," he said to the attending veterans. "It really means a lot for me to be here, and for you to be here, too."

Dave Sheldon of Hayden sang a moving a cappella rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner." He and his wife Carla both served more than 20 years in the Navy, where they met.

"I just have always felt that one of the best decisions I've ever made was going in the Navy," Carla said. "I'm so proud to be a veteran. It's an experience that I would never change for anything else. It's just a great feeling. It gets in your blood. Whenever we get to go to a base, it's like, it feels so cool to drive on that base."

"To be home," Dave added.

The open house provided an opportunity for the public to check out Post 14's new location in the church. Air Force veteran Pastor Dave Bruyette of Coeur d'Alene, who runs family programs for the Idaho National Guard, said that Post 14 sold its 754 N. Fourth Street building two years ago and during relocation uncertainty, Legion members met in Mountain Lakes. After a while, Bruyette realized it was only natural to make Mountain Lakes the Post's permanent home.

"It's a harmonious thing, and we get to give back," Bruyette said. "It's just a perfect match. I can't see a better parallel for God and country than to have these guys here in our building."

Bruyette and colleagues made office and meeting space for the Legionnaires by moving the church library to the basement, repainting a few rooms, adding patriotic borders, hanging World War II patriotic posters and installing fresh linoleum flooring. The church also has a year-round Christmas tree at its altar that is decorated in red, white and blue with photos of veterans and active military members hanging as ornaments.

The new flag poles and Post 14 are located at Mountain Lakes Bible Church, 2215 N. Seventh Street in Coeur d'Alene.