Maybe it's a generational phenomenon. Maybe it's something their military training drummed into them. Or maybe they're simply treating others as they would like to be treated.

Whatever the reason, we find many veterans from World War II, Korea and Vietnam courteous and respectful even beyond cultural norms. Before the glow of pride and glory from another Veterans Day fades away, we'd like to share with you a short story.

It's the story of a combat pilot who has every reason to be bitter, but instead is walking the opposite path. His name is Fred McMurray, and if you're a Press subscriber, you read his astonishing column on Monday's front page.

McMurray was a prisoner of war in the "Hanoi Hilton" in October 1972 when his hometown, Coeur d'Alene, honored him and fellow POWs/MIAs by dedicating a Freedom Tree to them. When McMurray came home six months later, he said he was deeply moved by that beautiful tree. The city held a parade honoring McMurray, and for the next 40 years, "the Freedom Tree was very special to me and my family."

McMurray had every reason to be bitter when that tree was cut down so McEuen Park could rise up. Partly because city officials like Doug Eastwood communicated closely with McMurray, and partly because he's such a gracious man, McMurray did not protest. In fact, he was there Tuesday when a new Freedom Tree was dedicated in the McEuen Park Veterans Plaza. And as always, it wasn't about him; it was about others.

"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," he 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."

All of that was done out in the bright blue, bitter cold public air. You already know that. What you don't know is that when McMurray submitted the column which ended up on the front page, his email reflected his humble nature:

"I apologize for getting this to you so late, however, I am requesting that you publish this prior to Veterans Day, which is Tuesday the 11th of November," he wrote.

Then first thing Wednesday morning, he was writing again: "Thank you very much for printing my 'My Turn' article concerning the Freedom Tree on such short notice."

We'd like to publicly tell Fred and our other veterans, we bow to your courage, to your answering duty's call. You risked your lives for us, and for that we'll always thank you, love you and respect you.