Community will forever be in Adam's debt

What does it take to bring a community together?

I would argue that sometimes it takes the combination of a tragedy as well as a celebration of life.

That's what happened Sunday when hundreds, possibly thousands, of residents lined Sandpoint streets to welcome home Sgt. Brandon Adam.

Tears flowed and balloons bounced in the chilly air as people waited for the impromptu parade of emergency vehicles and a non-descript pickup driven by Sgt. Adam.

There were homemade signs all along the route between the Long Bridge and the Assembly of God Church.

I can't imagine there have been any more flags assembled along this route than there was Sunday.

The truth is this community probably wouldn't have come together like it had if Sgt. Adam had been killed fighting in Iraq.

No, the folks on Sunday wanted to say thank you to a real, live hero who lost his legs in combat. It is easy to forget Sgt. Adam is just 22 years old and is just beginning the rest of his life.

We all should thank Sgt. Adam. He deserves be honored for his service to his country.

It is quite evident his hometown is extremely proud of him.

We should also thank Sgt. Adam for another reason. It was his personal sacrifice that rousted hundreds of people out of our warm homes on a Sunday afternoon to come together as a community.

Thank you for your service, young man. Your country — and especially your community — are forever in your debt.

David Keyes is publisher of the Daily Bee.