'For this' we remember
May 30, 2011
With the majestic, snow-covered Purcell Mountains as a back drop and the U.S. flag at half-staff, hundreds turned out for Memorial Day services today at Grandview Cemetery, where many who've served in our nation's armed forces lie at rest.
Canadian veteran Barney Slattery, one of but a few visitors from the north on Memorial Day, took full part, tossing candy to kids and waving from Chuck Quillin's new car ... the first one he's bought in years!
By Mike Weland

This year's Memorial Day Parade and observance was well attended, though many old veterans commented on how few of their Canadian comrades in arms were here.

Usually a large contingent of our neighbors from Creston,  including the Cadet Corps and Color Guard, attend, and a number of Canadian veterans from throughout the Provinces, our allies in war, attend, but this year, only one, Korean War veteran Barney Slattery, he of the big smile and bigger moustache, was in attendance, leading many to speculate on the well-being of old friends they've grown used to seeing every year. Most chalked it up to tighter restrictions at the border, but many expressed concerns regarding an enemy we've not yet defeated ... time.

"I haven't heard ... but I pray they're okay," was a common refrain.

In all, however, it was a grand and solemn affair, with a lively and well-attended parade, beautiful blue skies and the warmest temperatures of the season thus far. Led off, as always, by local veterans of American Legion Post 55, the parade, honoring the veterans of all branches of our nation's military service, featured a little bit of everything.

Straight out of "Ben Hur," a Roman charioteer and faithful steed traveled all the way to Bonners Ferry to celebrate Memorial Day and veterans of all the ages.
Indeed, it was an international affair, featuring a Centurion in horse drawn chariot from ancient Rome, perhaps the oldest veteran in attendance, though he looked remarkably hale, to camels and palm trees from the sands of the Sahara.

Boy and Girl Scouts, Little League athletes, 4Hers, some of whom came through the parade in a cage to remember those who are still Prisoners of War or missing in action, the Bonners Ferry Badger marching band, representatives of each of this county's fire districts and departments, Distinguished Young Women and Kootenai River Rodeo royalty. Old cars and old tractors, some having to be pushed to get chug, chug, cough, chug, going again, huge military machines painted desert sand and carrying a contingent to help us remember another upcoming event honoring our nation's veterans, the Bonners Ferry Run for the Fallen, taking place August 20, carried by Bernadette Kirk-Bonner, whose son, Army Sergeant Josh Kirk, laid down his life in service to our country in Afghanistan.

Even Wayne Nishek and his one-horse shay, sadly still without a hitching post, marched in honor of those who've served and died.

And despite controversy lately as to whether it should be okay to throw candy in a parade, candy was tossed, and kids young and old were eager to gather.

"I know I wasn't supposed to," one woman said, "but none of the kids saw it, so I grabbed it."

By the time she retrieved it from her purse, however, it had all but melted, and she had but a flattened caramel. By the look on her face as she ate it, a little softening didn't hurt the taste, and she looked like a kid again in the bargain.

Army Command Sergeant Major "Uncle" Bud Larsen and Marine Lance Corporal Ricardo Binns, whose Navy Cross is now being considered for upgrade to the Congressional Medal of Honor. Bud's Mercedes, Army through and through, welcomed the Marine aboard without protest.
Two distinguished Bonners Ferry veterans were feted in the parade, Command Sergeant Major "Uncle" Bud Larsen, who before he retired was one of the Army's senior-ranking non-commissioned officers, who was driving, in his classy Mercedes convertible,  retired Marine Lance Corporal Ricardo C. Binns, holder of the Corp's second highest medal for valor in combat, the Navy Cross, and currently under consideration for an upgrade to the award many who served with him and survived feel he should have been wearing for the past 44 years, the Congressional Medal of Honor.

On meeting, Uncle Bud was effusive in his praise for fellow veteran Binns, one of the heroes of a small-unit action in Vietnam where Binns, 15 fellow Recon Marines and two Navy corpsmen held off nearly a brigade of NVA and VC regulars on a June night in 1966 on a nearly indefensible hill, Hill 488, a battle that is now studied by nearly all combat NCOs and officers.

But he was a bit fearful how his smooth ride would handle bringing on board a Marine, his being such a dedicated Army vehicle and all.

Fortunately, Binns didn't have on dirty boots, grimy fatigues, pockets full of sand or a bayonet clenched in his teeth (the normal attributes the Army holds of their Marine Corps brethren), and Mr. Binns was honored as a welcome guest.

Organizers of this year's Memorial Day Parade chose to leave the important work to Lamar Olsen and the Boy Scouts, people who knew what to do with what they were picking up, instead of the more familiar politicians, who tend to deal in it!
In years past, the most important duty of the parade has typically been entrusted to community leaders ... the mayor or the board of county commissioners most often, but sometimes even higher ranking elected officials. While the concept seems eminently sound, as everyone seems to believe that a politician's stock-in-trade has to be horse or some other form of pooh, the organizers of this years parade instead chose an organization always prepared, the Boy Scouts of America, to handle the honor.

Scout leader Lamar Olson and his two acolytes performed the odiferous job with elan, gusto and huge smiles. Not a horse apple snuck past their Eagle eyes, though many of them had been smashed flat into the pavement.

It might not be fair, but it seems a fact you can't deny, civilian or military ... salute and give homage to the leaders, but when there's a job to be done, bring in the troops. There's a difference in the way the upper crust and the rest of us look at the same thing.

Long before today's events unfolded, American Legion Post 55 began the work to prepare. Chaplain Mike Ashby gets great credit for coordinating this year's event, work that started May 31, 2010.

Mike Ashby, right, talks with guest speaker SFC Lawrence Jefferson II, left, and Medal of Honor nominee Rick Binns, center.
While the task is formidable, Ashby, a Navy veteran of many West Pac tours during time of war, had many other veterans to rely on in this endeavor, a stern chain of command, all imbued with the first lesson instilled in any military recruit, "Mission First, People Second."

His old high school principal, Keith Coble, was there on Friday, though now lame and all but blind, helping mark the many graves of veterans lying at rest in Grandview Cemetery. Coble fought in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II.

He had at his back people like Ozzy Osburn, Eldon Koon, George Kalb and so many more.

There was Clyde Stone, an enlisted sailor, who came back from the war and showed why those warriors, men and women both, are now known as the "Greatest Generation," serving our country and coming back home to serve our community, Stone as a county commissioner.

A new "Greatest Generation" is in the forming, even as those veterans of our "forgotten wars," Korea and Vietnam, are now being recognized for their service and sacrifice and are starting to step forward and take pride in what they did at our nation's behest. Nearly a battalion of leather-clad motorcyclists, veterans all, came to pay homage and carry the colors of a nation proud of their service.

The man who spoke today came resplendent in the uniform he still wears. He was late, however, "stuck in Bonners Ferry traffic," we were told. Later, he admitted that he'd been so nervous of the honor, he'd forgotten the script for his speech. We were fortunate for the wait, for when he arrived, he delivered a strong and resounding oration.

Army Sergeant First Class Lawrence Jefferson II.
"I came here today with the intent on giving you a quick speech," said Sergeant First Class Lawrence Jefferson II, recipient of the Army Meritorious Service Medal, the Purple Heart, in line for the Bronze Star with "V" for valor. Veteran of our nation's most recent wars, not one, but all. Desert Shield, Storm and Sword, Iraqi Freedom II and III, Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

"But that is not what this day is for, though," he said. "Standing here looking out at all of you, I know that you understand this, otherwise you would not be here."

Before his oration, the flags were officially raised by VFW Post 55 to an outstanding rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner" by Air Force veteran Tom Chaney, one of the younger members of the Legion post.

A young Boy Scout, Owen Beazer, Troop 188, spoke of the meaning of the tired, often soiled and battle weary but always proud United States flag; Kayla Branson, one of Bonners Ferry's Distinguished Young Women, spoke of veterans and service. Pastor Tara Roberts, United Methodist Church, blessed the event with a prayer of invocation.

And Bonners Ferry Fire Chief Pat Warkentin, a member of the Albeni Falls Pipe and Drum Band, skirlled a medley of anthems on the bagpipes, from the Marine Hymn to "Amazing Grace," bringing emotional tears to the eyes of many.

"We all know this day is not about a three day holiday where you fire up the barbecue, relax, watch the parade and let the good times roll," Jefferson said. "It is about remembering and honoring the fallen Americans that paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country and its citizens since its founding. To the ones that are dying to this very day in service to this magnificent Nation. That is the flame of freedom to all. It is about the ones that truly gave their all."

He then recited a list of names, dates and places, nearly a dozen. Soldiers, sailors, Marines he knew personally who laid down their lives in service to this nation.

"For me, many veterans like me, and their friends and family, Memorial Day is something deeper," he went on. "I really cannot explain this deeper meaning, I would not know where to begin. I can only tell you that there is nothing, and I mean nothing, more meaningful in this world than when a person has his or her life taken away while in service to their country."

Marine Top Gun Tim Wilson.
He went on to describe the battles he'd fought in, and of a question once raised by an Afghani soldier who spoke English, asking on behalf of several.

"He asked us why we served in our Army and why we were there," Jefferson said. "I thought about this for a minute and looked around at my surroundings. I opened up my arms and told him, 'for this.'

"He seemed confused and asked what I meant. I explained to him about being proud of his people and his country. How he represented all that was good about his people, and gave his people hope and security. That he served them so that they could enjoy the freedoms that he believed they should have, free from tyranny. How that he was willing to die if necessary for these precious things.

"We told him that was why we were there, to help him have an identity."

At the directive from event host retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel Tim Wilson, Top Gun and combat pilot who flew this nation's response to Saddam Hussein in Desert Storm, "Commander, take charge and carry out your duties," veterans snapped to duty.

Taps echoed over those at rest and those who came to remember, a 21-gun salute fired, and the flags were furled.

Remembering: A Memorial Day pictorial
As they've done for every Bonners Ferry Memorial Day Parade in memory, now reaching nearly 100 years, veterans of American Legion Post 55 lead the way.
Well before Memorial Day, work went on behind the scenes to make sure everything was ready. On Friday, more than 50 people turned out to mark the graves of our veterans at rest, including former Bonners Ferry High School principal Keith Coble and his wife, Gladys. As a younger man, Coble fought with the 75th Infantry Division in World War II at the Battle of the Bulge. Like many, he came home to become part of America's "Greatest Generation."
Another was Ozzy Osburne, not to be confused with that singer from France or Britain or Spain or wherever. You know the one ... his wife is a judge on a reality show or something? Our Ozzy knows reality, and works endlessly to ensure we never forget.
Another group to proudly march in the Memorial Day Parade, grateful to be able to maintain a years-long tradition, was the Bonners Ferry High School Marching Band.
Not quite as traditional, however, was the world's smallest semi and speediest motorized bar stool.
We remembered not only our Veterans this Memorial Day, but the families they left behind, including Bernadette "Bernie" Kirk-Bonner, who lost her son, Army Sergeant Josh Kirk, in Afghanistan, and who now works tirelessly to help the families of others who've fallen in this nation's most recent wars ensure that no one forgets, bringing those families, friends and neighbors together in "Runs for the Fallen," including the North Idaho Run for the Fallen, taking place August 20 in Bonners Ferry.
As always, a large contingent of local Boy Scouts turned out for the parade, along with Cub Scouts, Girls Scouts, 4H and other youth groups.
What was more rarely seen, however, was this Bedouin family at an oasis, along with their ... uh ... what are those? I don't think those critters are from around these parts.
No local parade would be complete without a contingency of more of our heroes, our local firefighters. And not all of them took advantage of riding and waving. Many, like Paradise Valley firefighter Lisa Tuttle, walked the whole route in full turnouts to wave and throw candy ...
... Much to the delight of kids. In the spirit of the day, many of them weren't out to serve only themselves, either ...
... As many youngsters put themselves on the line that they could serve others!
A parade wouldn't be a parade without old cars ...
... Like this 1920 Ford, complete with wooden spokes, owned and driven by Will Hedrick.
And while the nation lauds their honor, few of us knew that we had a contingent of the fabled "Seal Team 6" right here in our midst, Tim Sebers, pilot. In the wake of this recently declassified photo, officials at the Pentagon are now wondering why we didn't just leave it crashed in Bin Laden's compound.
Another recently declassified photo of the raid on Bin Laden's compound, courtesy Bonners Ferry.
All jests aside, no local parade would have been complete without old tractors, particularly the fleet of vintage John Deeres owned, restored and maintained by Don Nystrom.
And no one local has any doubt but had Seal Team Six only called in Dick Hollenbeck and his specially equipped wonder dog, Scout, years ago, both Sadaam Hussein and Osama bin Laden might well have been captured while in grade school, both still amenable to growing up to be contributing members of their communities and worthy of picking up horse apples from the streets of their towns in the wake of an illustrious parade.
Or even Wayne Nishek and his one horse shay. Had he gone in, they'd not only have schools, productive farms, co-ops and nurseries, they'd have HITCHING POSTS FOR ONE HORSE SHAYS!
At the top of the hill, at ceremonies at Grandview Cemetery, the day's events took on solemnity. When Bonners Ferry Fire Chief Pat Warkentin sounded his sad and mournful pipes ...
... He touched hearts, evoking private remembrances of stories and sacrifices unshared.
Generations joined together ...
... Sharing a patriotic heritage.
Old community stalwarts, who went off to do their duty there and came home to give back to their communities here, like former Boundary County Commissioner Clyde Stone (left), and Creston, B.C. civic leader Barney Slattery, who fought and bled in Korea, both take pride in their service to country, but take greater pride in what they have been able to contribute at home.
They were once young men, like Boy Scout Owen Beazer ...
... Or young women, like Distinguished Young Woman Kayla Branson, who have been and are inspired by those in our community who have gone before.
Be it a neighbor, husband and father like Lawrence Jefferson II, whose kids they've gone to school with, kids who too often had to explain to their classmates, "Dad's not here now" ...
... to neighbors like Rick Binns, quiet, no family, no children, no one knowing, until now, what a hero we have among us. How many more of them are there?

 "An article I found written by Lieutenant General John Kelly November 10, 2010, four days after his son, First Lieutenant John Kelly, was killed in action," Sergeant Jefferson said.

"Rest assured that our America, this experiment in Democracy, begun over two centuries ago, will forever remain the land of the free and home of the brave so long as we never run out of tough Americans who are willing to look beyond their own self-interest and comfortable lives, and go into the darkest and most dangerous places on earth to hunt down and kill those who would do us harm."