Memorial Day tributes honor fallen soldiers

SANDPOINT — The forecast called for rain, but Monday’s Memorial Day tributes offered nothing worse than a gentle breeze — enough to flutter the American flags marking the graves of local veterans.

“I don’t know who to thank for this, but I appreciate the good weather today,” said Bill Stevens, commander of the local American Legion post, to the more than 150 people at Pinecrest Memorial Park cemetery.

About 200 people attended Memorial Day services at Pinecrest and Lakeview cemeteries to pay tribute to the men and women of the armed services who gave their lives for their county.

“From the Civil War to the present conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan , our servicemen and women put their lives on the line for our country,” state Sen. Shawn Keough, R-Sandpoint, told those gathered at Lakeview Cemetery. “These brave souls gave their ultimate gift: Their lives.”

Keough gave the keynote address at Memorial Day services at both Pinecrest and Lakeview cemeteries.

“It is extremely important to take this day and reflect on what these men and women sacrificed and why,” she told the crowd at Pinecrest cemetery earlier that morning.

After reciting the famous war poem, “In Flanders Fields,” by John McCrae, Keough said it’s important to acknowledge the sacrifice of those who died in service to their country — and also their families.

Without their sacrifice, Americans would not enjoy the freedoms they have.

“Many in the world do not have what we in America have and often lose sight of,” she added.

Keough encouraged those attending the service to take a moment to think about those soldiers, as well as those serving throughout the world today, and honor their service.

Both services were led by Stevens, who said he feels a duty to remember and honor to those that have given so much to protect their country.

“If we don’t remember the past and what these men have done for us, how do we go forward from there?” Stevens said.

Wayne Gunter of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints delivered a benediction at both events and asked the crowds to keep their prayers with soldiers currently serving overseas.

“Bless those that continue to serve this nation,” Gunter said. “Guide their course and make them wise.”

Staff writer Caroline Lobsinger contributed to this story.