Tributes honor vets' service, sacrifice

SANDPOINT — The sacrifice of the nation’s veterans should be on every American’s mind as they decide how to live their lives.

That message was the binding thread in the many Veterans Day events that occurred throughout Monday. Speakers from all around the county turned out to honor local veterans and remind residents of the debt the country owes them.

“Before the end of your lives, I hope each and every one of you will have proven you earned (that sacrifice),” said Allen Hacker, one of the guest speakers at the Sandpoint High School veterans assembly.

It’s a more important message than ever during a time when many veterans find themselves with quickly-dwindling opportunities, according to Joe English of the Priest River VFW. With a huge number of unprocessed benefit claims at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and some congressional leaders proposing to slash benefits as a cost-saving measure, English feels the country hasn’t shown veterans the gratitude they’ve earned.

“Our veterans have earned the right to be treated with dignity and respect,” he said during a ceremony at The Bridge Assisted Living.

Despite the national troubles facing veterans, local schools, organizations and individuals did their best to make their appreciation known. A few local restaurants offered military members meals for free. And it was hard to travel any distance in town without seeing a flag on display.

Special events throughout the day also helped make the holiday special. The remembrances began for about 30 attendees Monday morning at Memorial Field, where veterans and residents gathered for a ceremonial presentation of the colors, a rifle detail and a short speech by Veterans of Foreign Wars and Vietnam Veterans of America associate Bill Stevens. The action then switched to Sagle Elementary School, where Stevens said a handful of veterans turned out for guest speakers and a performance by the students.

Later that afternoon, the high school assembly collected a large crowd of students, teachers, families and veterans to reflect on military sacrifice. Throughout the afternoon, veterans were the star of the show, with event planners going so far as to arrange personal escorts to and from the gymnasium. Afterward, the servicemen and women were treated to a screening of the moving feature-length documentary, “Honor Flight.”

“(These veterans) have placed their lives in harm’s way for the freedoms you enjoy,” said Arthur Larson, another assembly guest speaker.