The 2025 Boundary County Veterans Day Program was held at Memorial Hall on Nov. 11. Boundary County Sheriff Travis Stolley spoke to a crowd of veterans, Boundary County citizens and choir members about his experiences in the Marine Corps, serving something bigger than himself.  

Stolley said that when he was a high school student, the tragic events of 9/11 occurred. From that point, he decided that he wanted to make a difference. A Boundary County resident, Stolley chose to join the Marine Corps mainly because his father told him not to. 

After Stolley’s speech, time was taken to honor the memories of the 57 area veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Veterans Day can trace its roots to Armistice Day which marked the end of World War I on Nov. 11, 1918, at the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month,” when a bell was tolled eleven times to honor those who died in the war.  

The community’s tribute honoring Boundary County veterans means a great deal, said Vietnam War veteran Richard Beck. 

“It means remembering all of my friends that I lost in Vietnam and thinking about those that are still alive,” Beck said. “I’ve been contacting them during Veterans Day to see how they’re doing.” 

Veteran Casey Gannon, who served as emcee, welcomed Stolley and Margarette Payette, who creates Quilts of Valor for community veterans.  

Payette, who has made quilts for veterans since 2011, presented a quilt to and a second for Kenneth Irons, a 91-year-old veteran. His daughter Cindy received it on his behalf.  

The tribute gives the community a chance to both celebrate its veterans and honor their service. 

“A very concentrated group of both veterans and first responders have come here to retire,” Gannon said. “It’s a great reminder to say thank you and remember those that gave everything.” 

Boundary County resident Tom Chaney, who served in the U.S. Air Force, as did his wife, said the Veterans Day tribute was a great chance to honor those who served and to connect with fellow veterans. 

“We’re so busy, we don’t see everybody,” Chaney said. “But something like this today, we get to come together. It’s really awesome.” 

Stolley encouraged veterans to stay connected and support each other, advice that Beck resonated with. 

“That’s what helped me with my PTSD, is contacting those who I’ve served with,” Beck said. “I think a few of them just now called me.” 

The Bonners Ferry High School Choir sang multiple songs, including “Homeward Bound” to finish the event. Lunch was served soon after.   

On December 13, veterans can reunite again as VFW and American Legion are combining to put on a watch party at the senior center at for the Army versus Navy football game.  

    The Boundary County Veterans Day Program was held in Memorial Hall at the Boundary County Fairgrounds.