Memorial Day thanks

Memorial Day dawned with low laying clouds, a very cool breeze, and lots of rain. The air temperature was somewhere around 40 or 42 degrees at 9 a.m., the staging time for the 2007 Memorial Day parade. As I drove into town that morning, the best I was hoping for was a couple guys to help carry the colors through down town Bonners Ferry.

I certainly did not anticipate the response of this community to this soggy Memorial Day. Participants for the parade began showing up at the Fairgrounds, and they showed up in droves. The general attitude seemed to be no stinking rain would keep us from honoring our veterans.

So, with many a bright umbrella unfolded and lots of laughter, we staged the parade. About 10 minutes prior to the start of the parade, the rain ceased, and the smiles increased. The community had turned out in droves in the downtown area, way more than I think anyone anticipated. So with Jo Jo Baker adding a festive note with his music and commentary, this annual parade was a huge success, despite the inclement weather. Our lady veterans were given the honor they deserve, and our oldest veterans made the parade once again.

Following the parade, services were conducted at Grandview Cemetery, again under cloudy, windy and chilling conditions. Still, the rain held off, and the event was well attended. The speakers were great, the patriotic readers inspiring and the music by the Albeni Falls Bag pipers was soul stirring.

Trying to say thank you to all the many folks who either participated, or helped make this event a success is impossible. American Legion Post 55 says thanks to all the parade participants, and to all the folks who braved the rain to watch the parade. It is gratifying and humbling to live in a community that so honors its veterans.

Semper Fi

Mike Ashby, Chaplain

American Legion Post 55

Bonners Ferry