HAYDEN — Saturday won’t be the first time Robert Martin has led a parade.

Even so, he was surprised to learn that he had been named grand marshal of the yearly Hayden Days procession, which will cruise along Government Way from Hayden Avenue to Dakota Avenue.

As Hayden’s 2024 Distinguished Veteran of the Year, all he knew was that he’d be a part of the procession.

“I didn’t know about the grand marshal part,” Martin said with a laugh.

Martin, who did four tours in Vietnam over 20 years in the U.S. Army, has received plenty of accolades in recent months.

After being named Distinguished Veteran of the Year, Martin led the Hayden Lights Parade alongside Mayor Alan Davis in December.

In March, he was presented with a Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin by the Daughters of the American Revolution, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War.

He is also the recipient of three Purple Hearts, a Silver Star and other distinguished awards.

Through it all, Martin has remained focused on his mission of helping fellow veterans in the community.

“It’s always nice to be appreciated,” he said.

Martin has served as commander of Coeur d’Alene’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 889 for nine years. 

“There’s so many things we all do to help veterans in different ways,” Martin said.

Martin and his wife will ride alongside Davis and his wife in a convertible at the front of Saturday’s procession.

The parade, themed “Hayden’s 70th Birthday and Hometown Heroes,” will also include a flyover by No Limits Aviation, floats showcasing area businesses, classic cars and more. It starts at 10 a.m.

Hayden Days festivities will continue at McIntire Family Park.

ICCU is the event sponsor.