Thanks for the party

The Fourth was first class in Coeur d'Alene.

With Medal of Honor winner Tommy Norris serving as grand marshal of the parade, and a fireworks display on gorgeous Lake Coeur d'Alene capping the festivities, it's hard to imagine a greater celebration of our nation's birthday anyplace else.

Norris is the unassuming hero whose rescue of two downed pilots during the Vietnam War was made into a movie, Bat*21. (Search "Rescue of Bat 21 Bravo" for much more on the actual rescue by Norris and South Vietnamese commando Nguyen Van Kiet.) Just six months after the daring rescues, Norris received a near-fatal head wound in action. He was hospitalized for three years, underwent numerous surgeries over six years - and persevered. He then had a distinguished career in the FBI.

Our local birthday party proceeded without any reports of serious mishaps or mayhem. And just a few minutes before 10 Friday night, a fabulous fireworks display shattered the dark skies. When it ended with a thunderous, prolonged grand finale, thousands of smiles made their way back to vehicles and, ultimately, home. Even the typical traffic jams couldn't snuff the sparkle of Fourth of July afterglow.

Years ago in this space, we criticized parade organizers for big gaps in the parade and featuring far too many commercial-only entries. While the parade still moves along slowly at times, the blatant commercialism has been wonderfully curtailed. Now the patriotic theme and actual entertainment prevail.

Before this year's celebration fades too far in the rear-view mirror, we want to express our most heartfelt appreciation to all the veterans who make Independence Day possible, including those in the parade and outside it. We also give a standing ovation to the Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce for organizing a tremendous birthday party for the region. Because there was no admission cost to the parade, the ongoing music in city park or the spectacular fireworks display, who says freedom isn't free?