Veteran Robert Martin to lead parade honoring Hayden's 'hometown heroes'
HAILEY HILL | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 6 months AGO
Martin / Press file photo
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.
ARTICLES BY HAILEY HILL
Hayden chamber marks 25 years
Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn named Business of the Year
When Andrea Fulks talks about growing the Hayden Chamber of Commerce’s membership, she makes a point to avoid certain words. “I never say you should ‘join,’” the chamber president and CEO said. “I say that you belong in this family.”
NIBCA celebrates leadership, growth
NIBCA celebrates leadership, growth
The first time Jessica Cargile attended a North Idaho Building Contractors Association meeting, she couldn’t help but feel a bit nervous. That feeling returned for only a moment before she was sworn in as NIBCA’s president for 2026.
Coeur d'Alene chamber grows to nearly 1,000 members as it continues to evolve
Coeur d'Alene chamber grows to nearly 1,000 members as it continues to evolve
A sepia-toned photograph of about 30 businessmen hangs in the office of Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber’s President and CEO, Linda Coppess. Though dressed in the fashion of decades past, the men gathered for a purpose that has endured: uplifting area businesses through the Chamber. The photo is a reminder of the Chamber’s 114 years of history, Coppess said in her address to nearly 200 attendees at Tuesday morning’s Breakfast Connect event.