VETERANS: They came to the rescue

The Coeur d'Alene Memorial Gardens holds a Veterans Day commemoration yearly to honor our veterans, past and present. In the past, the Pappy Boyington unit graciously provided the honor guard.

This year, however, with only five days until Veterans Day, Ginger, who manages the cemetery, received a call from the Pappy Boyington unit that they would not be providing the service due to other commitments. Consequently, it was printed in the Coeur d'Alene Press that there would not be any services.

Determined to provide a commemoration "if just one widow comes," Ginger phone a personal friend and a member of "Combat Vets," Lloyd Mason. Mr. Mason mustered approximately 30 or more fellow combat vets who showed up to carry the flag and perform the ceremony. It was a little shorter, a little less "showy," but it was a beautiful, heartfelt ceremony.

Veterans Day was a special day to my husband, as it is to me. I thanked as many of the group as possible; however, I believe they should be recognized publicly for their continued selfless commitment to our country.

My sincere appreciation to Lloyd Mason and the other combat vets who "saved the day."

ROSELLA FRAME

Coeur d'Alene