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Community's veterans honored |
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November 11, 2016 |
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On Friday, November 11, exactly at 11 a.m., a
bell was solemnly struck to open Boundary
County's Veteran's Day Memorial service. As that
bell repeatedly sounded, it was joined by church
bells throughout the community, all tolling at
the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the
eleventh month in honor and recognition of
veterans who have served our country.
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Members of
the Bonners Ferry High School choir, led
by conductor David Carpenter, performed
several songs. |
One of the largest crowds in recent memory to
gather for the program was present at Veterans'
Memorial Park next to the Boundary County
Library, as special music, addresses, and
recognition was dedicated to our community's
veterans.
At the program, recognition and thanks were
given to the many community members, businesses,
and government entities who had contributed
time, money, and effort to obtain and install 13
new flagpoles and flags at the Veterans' Park
near the library. On this day of remembrance,
twelve of those flagpoles flew the flag of the
United States, while the thirteenth flew the POW
/ MIA flag.
A choir from Bonners Ferry High School,
conducted by David Carpenter, sang the National
Anthem, and later performed other musical
numbers including America, God Bless the USA,
and others.
Margaret Mellett, who annually puts together
handmade quilts to present to veterans at the
service, gave quilts this year to two veterans
of the Viet Nam war. She was later given a
special plaque by veterans, thanking her for her
"selfless support and devotion to the veterans
of Boundary County," and her annual quilt
presentations.
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Idaho Senator
Shawn Keough |
Idaho District One Senator Shawn Keough gave the
keynote address for the event, noting that
Veterans' Day is held "in recognition of those
who have served, and serve, and those who have
and do sacrifice, in order that we may continue
to live in freedom."
"Our veterans served so these freedoms we enjoy,
and too often take for granted, are protected
and perpetuated," she said.
A special flag and plaque were presented to the
son of World War II pilot Paul W. Tibbets, Jr.,
who flew many missions during that war,
including serving as the pilot of the Enola Gay,
the Boeing B-29 Superfortress bomber that
dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of
Hiroshima in August 1945.
The event concluded with a bugle rendition of
"Taps," followed by Boundary County Fire Chief
Patrick Warkentin playing "Amazing Grace" on
bagpipes. |
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