COEUR d'ALENE - When the first Freedom Tree was planted on a cold, blustery October day in Coeur d'Alene in 1972, Fred McMurray was not free.

He was a prisoner of war at the infamous "Hanoi Hilton."

During a Veterans Day event at McEuen Park on Tuesday afternoon, McMurray spoke of his time as a prisoner during the Vietnam War.

"At the time the Freedom Tree was being dedicated I was not doing very well," McMurray said. "I was in solitary confinement in a cell that was 7 feet by 7 feet. I had been in solitary confinement for about a month and was totally alone."

However, he said he felt the love of his family and the support from the citizens of Coeur d'Alene shortly after the tree was dedicated and it was that love and support which improved his condition.

McMurray was a member of the last group of servicemen released from prison in Vietnam in 1973. A parade was held in his honor shortly after he returned home and McMurray said once the parade was over he and his family went to the Freedom Tree.

"For 40 years, that Freedom Tree was very special to my family and I," McMurray said.

The original Freedom Tree was taken down during the building of McEuen Park. On Tuesday, a new Freedom Tree was dedicated to honor McMurray and his fellow veterans.

"For the men and women of the armed forces, this tree will serve as a reminder that should they be captured, we will not forget," McMurray said. "For all of our active duty men and women, when you come home come to this Veterans Plaza, look at the Freedom Tree and remember that we the citizens of Coeur d'Alene and North Idaho thank you, love you and respect you."

Coeur d'Alene Mayor Steve Widmyer began the event by welcoming attendees to the first day of celebration at the McEuen Park Veterans Plaza.

"We're here on Veterans Day to honor our service members and to remember the sacrifices they made and the courage it takes to defend our freedom," Widmyer said. "In Coeur d'Alene, we are especially proud to honor the heroes, both past and present, who have answered the call of their country. Thank you to all the veterans for your selfless commitment to our country."

The event was hosted by the Kootenai County Veterans Council. Arnold Howe, president of the council, addressed the crowd gathered at the plaza and spoke of the importance of offering tribute to those who have made the supreme sacrifice for America.

"Their self-sacrifices will be forever inscribed on the brightest pages of American history," Howe said. "Veterans Day brings forth mixed emotions in us all. It is a day associated with the bringing of peace, quiet, and joy to a world saddened and dimmed by the slaughter of all wars."

The original Freedom Tree was represented at the event through an instrument called a harp guitar. Anthony and David Powell, of Tonedevil Guitars in Sandpoint, created the instrument using wood from the first Freedom Tree and played a medley of patriotic songs with it.

At the end of the event, Jerene Kindley of North Idaho Quilts of Valor presented five quilts and five hugs to local veterans. McMurray, Steve Kukuruza, Dusty Rhoads, Dale Bunch and Joseph Sokol each received a handmade quilt from the group.