POST FALLS — Two yellow butterflies delicately flew over the Memorial Day ceremony in Post Falls on Monday morning, encapsulating the fragility and beauty of those who gave their lives in service to their country.  

Post Falls American Legion Post Commander Tim Shaw spoke of the ordinary Americans exhibiting extraordinary valor. He urged those in attendance to take a moment to remember the sacrifice of the fallen.  

“Live in a way worthy of their sacrifice,” Shaw said. 

He reminded those in attendance that Memorial Day is more than just a day on the calendar, a time to share time with friends and family at a barbecue or enjoy a sale. 

Although those signs of ordinary life have great value, the sacrifice behind the value should hold just as much weight.  

“It is above all, a day of gratitude. It is a day when as a people, we remind ourselves that freedom is not self-sustaining, it must be defended and that defense has always come with a price,” Shaw said. 

Tracing military service from the Revolutionary War to deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, Normandy to Korea, from Vietnam to Kuwait, Shaw commended soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, Coast Guard and Space Force members for their willingness to heed America’s call. 

Chaplain Rick LePage commended those who laid down their lives for the liberties we now enjoy.  

“Help us to recognize the incalculable debt we owe them,’ LePage said. “Preserve freedom and safeguard peace won at such a great cost. 

Post Falls American Legion Auxiliary member Colleen Stillabower sang quietly along with the St. Dominic’s Girls School choir. 

She was moved with emotion during the ceremony, occasionally leaning on her friend for support while remembering her husband, who was a veteran. 

“My husband passed in March,” Stillabower said. 

During the service, Shaw also extended the honor of remembrance to first responders. 

“This wreath symbolizes our gratitude, our respect that their loved ones’ sacrifice will not be taken for granted,” Shaw said. “This wreath is also dedicated to Kootenai County Battalion Chiefs Frank Harwood and John Morrison, who were taken from us on June 29, 2025.” 

Post Falls Mayor Randy Westlund remembered the personal impact the death of his uncle, a master sergeant, had on their family when he was killed in action in Iraq. 

“His loss has left a hole in our family,” Westlund said. “We honor his sacrifice for the nation he sought to preserve and protect.” 

Faith in God, America and one another helps him put the loss in context, so his uncle’s loss is not in vain.

“Seeing this greater sacrifice is a good reminder for us when we have temptations to complain about the things in our lives, we see the greater sacrifices others have made,” Westlund said. 

From North Idaho to Arlington Cemetery, Shaw said it all comes down to remembering the fallen and all of the joys they could have experienced if they hadn’t given their lives for this country. 

“Americans gather for one shared purpose, to remember. We pause to honor the men and women who gave what Abraham Lincoln called ‘the last full measure of devotion,’” Shaw said.

Whether their names are carved into stone or remembered only in the quiet of a loved one’s heart, too many never returned home. 

    Ken Johnson walks towards Kelly McMahan to present her with a folded American flag as members of the Honor Guard during the Post Falls Memorial Day ceremony.
  

    Bob Shay strikes a bell with a hammer as the names of fallen veterans are recited during the Post Falls Memorial Day ceremony on Monday in Evergreen Cemetery.
 

    Members of the St. Dominic’s Girls’ School choir raise their voices for the hundreds gathered Monday to celebrate Memorial Day in Evergreen Cemetery in Post Falls.
  

    Honor Guard members Kelly McMahan and Ken Johnson stand at the ready with a folded American flag during the Memorial Day ceremony in Evergreen Cemetery in Post Falls.
  

    American Legion Post 143 Commander Tim Shaw addresses those gathered for the Post Falls Memorial Day ceremony at Evergreen Cemetery.
  

    Mayor Randy Westlund addresses the crowd of people taking part in the Post Falls Memorial Day service on Monday.
  

    Bob Shay said that Buck Knives finished the hammer used to toll the bell during Memorial Day services in Post Falls.