North Idaho to veterans: Thank you

By DEVIN WEEKS

Staff Writer

HAYDEN — Even the youngest members of the community were among the many who showed their appreciation for America’s veterans on Veterans Day.

"It's important to remember why we get to do what we get to do," said Lose Maile, 14, of Hayden, who said she plans to join the Air Force when she graduates. "Knowing what they do for us is important just to understand that freedom doesn’t come free."

The roughly 200 people who attended Hayden's annual Veterans Day ceremony in McIntire Family Park on Saturday had different reasons for being there — to accompany a spouse who served, to honor the memory of a loved one who made the ultimate sacrifice, to pay tribute to the many years family members spent defending their country.

By the turnout and outpouring of gratitude, it was evident that just about everyone in the community has in some way been impacted by a veteran.

"My dad was career Army. He served in Korea, Japan, Germany, Vietnam," said Sonja Butler of Post Falls. "I think it's very important to keep up these traditions and support what they've done."

Ceremonies and events were held in the days leading up to the holiday, as well as on the day itself. The ways of saying "thank you" varied from complimentary meals, dental services and overnight stays at local inns to free haircuts, pancake feeds, simple hugs and acknowledgements from young and old alike. One group, the Idaho chapter of Overpasses America, held flags and signs for all to see as they waved to drivers and cars from the Beck Road overpass Saturday afternoon.

Hayden's program included a prayer for the veterans, a powerful Veterans Day address by Dr. Roland Kent, who served as a U.S. Navy commander from 1997-2017, and songs performed by the Hayden Meadows Elementary Special Chorus.

"It feels really good" to sing for the veterans, said 9-year-old Taylin Everingham of Hayden, whose family has many service members, including uncles and grandfathers.

"There’s a really strong support of the military in our family," said her mom, Alicia Everingham.

Hayden's 2017 Distinguished Veteran of the Year Harold Markiewicz was honored during the ceremony. He served 22 years active duty with the U.S. Air Force as a flight engineer and crew chief. He continues to serve his fellow veterans by visiting them in assisted living facilities and volunteering his time at schools and veteran recognition programs.

"The main reason we're here this morning is to remember and honor veterans who have served in uniform for this country, and those still serving who one day will be veterans," Markiewicz said. "As long as I am physically and mentally able, I will continue being a member of the American Legion Honor Guard and I will continue visiting veterans in care facilities. And I'll always remember those veterans still with us and the ones which are not."

Emotion could be heard in Mayor Steve Griffitts' voice as he thanked the Hayden Veterans Commission for coordinating the annual ceremony and as he shared how grateful he is for America's men and women in uniform.

"Veterans, this is your day. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to be able to share it with you," he said. "Today, we honor you, our veterans. There are almost 20 million of you in the United States. You're everywhere — you're short, you're medium, you're tall, you're skinny, or not so skinny. You are young, you are older, you are Hispanic, you are African-American, you are Native American, you are Caucasian. But you are all Americans, and you are humble and you are kind.

"Throughout my life, I have forever been affected by who you are and what you have done," he continued. "I had the opportunity today and the last few days to also sit quietly and hug a veteran as he relives the painful horror that he endured. I am so grateful for you that are here today and I'm grateful for all of you that came to honor these wonderful men and women."