Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 889 in Coeur d’Alene paid respect Monday morning during a ceremony at McEuen Park to members of the military who lost their lives in combat.

Lt. Col. Carl Gidlund, retired Air Force and Army, lamented how the spirit of Memorial Day has been lost by society.

“The true meaning of Memorial Day has been lost by many Americans,” Gidlund said. “For them, it marks the opening of the community swimming pool, the start of a family vacation, the first barbecue of the year, or a three-day weekend. For the department stores, it’s another excuse to have a magnificent sale.”

However, Gidlund took heart in seeing roughly 100 people who spent the first part of their holiday morning honoring American military men and women.

“There’s still a spark of hope, because you are here today,” he said. “You made time in your schedule to remember. Your presence here is a living example of what all Americans should be doing today.”

According to Gidlund, Memorial Day offers an opportunity to focus on love.

“There is no greater love than to give your life,” he said. “Our fallen comrades have demonstrated that love, and that is what Memorial Day is all about.”

Gidlund reminded attendees about the history of Memorial Day — originally called Decoration Day — which began in 1868 as a day to honor the more than 600,000 who died in the Civil War.

The veteran of 33 years of service argued that honoring fallen military members helps unite current and past generations.

“These activities are not a burden,” Gidlund said. “Instead, they unite us with our past.”

He added that the best way to thank those who are no longer among the living is to honor their memory and sacrifice.

“There is no greater sense of gratitude that can be given than time spent reflecting on the sacrifices made for you and me,” Gidlund said.

Prior to Gidlund’s address, a poem written by a former Navy SEAL to his friend killed in combat was shared with the crowd.

Additionally, a wreath was placed in Lake Coeur d’Alene in memory of all service members who were lost at sea.

VFW Post 889 also honored prisoners of war and military who remain missing in action by setting a table, but leaving the four chairs unfilled.