POST FALLS - Despite how well Kootenai County honors its veterans, Lew Allert still sees complacency eroding the foundations of our country.

Allert, a Vietnam veteran who was named Veteran of the Year by American Legion Post 143, was the feature speaker during Monday's Memorial Day ceremony at Evergreen Cemetery in Post Falls.

"This is a wonderful place to live for our veterans," Allert told the crowd of about 250. "But I fear that we are becoming complacent, and complacency comes from within."

Allert said the local voter turnout of only 22 percent for last Tuesday's primary election, challenges to Second Amendment rights and the Veterans Administration administrative crisis are disturbing. He called on people to act and speak out.

"Our Constitution and the Bill of Rights are being pushed into the trash can of history," Allert said.

Allert said veterans who have died after not getting health care from the V.A. that was promised to them when they were drafted or enlisted is "totally inexcusable."

Allert said he was concerned last December when the Children's Village, a Coeur d'Alene nonprofit that assists children in need, couldn't take in more than 20 children because it didn't have enough funding. He also finds it "appalling" that veterans have to seek food donations in the front of local grocery stores to help feed National Guard families in need.

But on the bright side, he said, there are efforts such as Newby-ginnings, started by Theresa Hart, to help veterans in need. Hart's son, Nicholas Newby, was killed in action in Iraq in 2011.

"Theresa Hart knows the cost of freedom," Allert said.

During the ceremony, wreaths were hung at the base of the veterans memorial in recognition of veterans and emergency response groups.

Four hundred ninety-five large American flags were placed at the gravesites of veterans in the cemetery. A school bell donation secured by World War II veteran Frank Henderson that will be permanently hung at the memorial rang 28 times in honor of local veterans who died this past year.

Cathyanne Nonini played the national anthem and "Amazing Grace" on the violin.

Henderson and Bob Templin, who served during the Korean War and World War II, were honored as Veterans of the Year by the recently-formed Post Falls Veterans Committee, which honors local vets.

Henderson urged attendees to write to their federal lawmakers and the White House about their displeasure over the V.A. debacle.

"One of the things you learn in basic training is to never leave a buddy behind," Henderson said. "Don't leave our buddies behind."

Henderson was with the Army's 33rd Infantry Division during World War II. He is one of 12 founding members of Post Falls' American Legion Post 143, which is the largest post in the state.

Henderson served as Post Falls' mayor and a Kootenai County commissioner before going on to serve in the Legislature as a senator and representative.

He announced his retirement in February at age 91 after his 10th year and fifth term as a state legislator. Henderson, who was publisher of the former Post Falls Tribune, has been a champion for economic development for North Idaho.

Templin found success in the hospitality industry in Coeur d'Alene and then Post Falls, where he has been a booster for tourism, economic development and preservation of the city's history and heritage.

Templin urged the crowd to remember the country's founding principles.

"We should never forget that as Christians our flag follows the cross," Templin said.

Templin was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce for his promotion of tourism.

• Post Falls Veterans Committee

Members of the recently-formed Post Falls Mayors' Veterans Committee that will honor veterans include: Mayor Ron Jacobson, Clay Larkin, Councilman Skip Hissong, Larry Carstensen, Al Holm, Ed Hempel (Submarine Vets), Steve Hansen (American Legion), Dee Sasse (American Legion), Mike Teall (Disabled American Veterans), Pam Moist (Patriot Guard Riders), Mary Matthews (Patriot Guard Riders) and Bill Davis (Combat Veterans Association).