Community's veterans honored

November 11, 2016

On Friday, November 11, exactly at 11 a.m., a bell was solemnly struck to open Boundary County's Veteran's Day Memorial service. As that bell repeatedly sounded, it was joined by church bells throughout the community, all tolling at the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month in honor and recognition of veterans who have served our country. Members of the Bonners Ferry High School choir, led by conductor David Carpenter, performed several songs. One of the largest crowds in recent memory to gather for the program was present at Veterans' Memorial Park next to the Boundary County Library, as special music, addresses, and recognition was dedicated to our community's veterans. At the program, recognition and thanks were given to the many community members, businesses, and government entities who had contributed time, money, and effort to obtain and install 13 new flagpoles and flags at the Veterans' Park near the library. On this day of remembrance, twelve of those flagpoles flew the flag of the United States, while the thirteenth flew the POW / MIA flag. A choir from Bonners Ferry High School, conducted by David Carpenter, sang the National Anthem, and later performed other musical numbers including America, God Bless the USA, and others. Margaret Mellett, who annually puts together handmade quilts to present to veterans at the service, gave quilts this year to two veterans of the Viet Nam war. She was later given a special plaque by veterans, thanking her for her "selfless support and devotion to the veterans of Boundary County," and her annual quilt presentations. Idaho Senator Shawn Keough Idaho District One Senator Shawn Keough gave the keynote address for the event, noting that Veterans' Day is held "in recognition of those who have served, and serve, and those who have and do sacrifice, in order that we may continue to live in freedom." "Our veterans served so these freedoms we enjoy, and too often take for granted, are protected and perpetuated," she said. A special flag and plaque were presented to the son of World War II pilot Paul W. Tibbets, Jr., who flew many missions during that war, including serving as the pilot of the Enola Gay, the Boeing B-29 Superfortress bomber that dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima in August 1945. The event concluded with a bugle rendition of "Taps," followed by Boundary County Fire Chief Patrick Warkentin playing "Amazing Grace" on bagpipes.