HAYDEN — World War I, once referred to as “the war to end all wars,” ceased between the Allies and Germany on the eleventh hour of Nov. 11, 1918. The first Armistice Day, later called Veterans Day, was observed exactly one year later.

But, as Kevin Schultz with Vine Church explained, “we now know that it was not the war to end all wars.”

Schultz said a prayer for the countless men and women that have served in the U.S. military during Tuesday morning’s 19th annual Veterans Day Ceremony at McIntire Family Park, saying in part that many veterans “do not live in peace” even after finishing their service.

He called on the nearly 200 in attendance to have patience and listen to those who are suffering, especially “those who suffer in silence.”

“Remind us to protect our hearts and minds with your armor,” Schultz said in prayer.

The community’s veterans were also honored through presentation of the colors by the Kootenai County Sheriff Honor Guard, patriotic songs performed by the Hayden Meadows Special Chorus and Bucket Drummers, and a chance to hear from 2025 Distinguished Veteran Ross Welburn.

Welburn drew laughs from the audience as he reflected on his career in the Navy and explained that he was initially hesitant about many of his assignments, particularly when he was sent to NAS Atsugi in Japan.

Even so, Welburn returned home married and grateful.

“Don’t turn down the opportunities in your life,” Welburn said.

Mayor Alan Davis presented Welburn with a plaque commemorating his title of Distinguished Veteran.

“Our country is blessed that some answer the call to duty,” Davis said. “You represent the very best of what it means to be an American.”  

    The Hayden Meadows Special Chorus signs patriotic songs during the Veterans Day Ceremony in Hayden on Tuesday.
  

    A boy carries an American flag during Tuesday's Veterans Day Ceremony in Hayden.