'Thank you for answering the call'

By DEVIN WEEKS

Staff Writer

COEUR d’ALENE — "I’m proud to be an American,” Air Force veteran and pastor Dave Bruyette said into the microphone.

His voice echoed throughout the Veterans Memorial Plaza in McEuen Park on the chilly Monday that marked the 100th anniversary of Veterans Day.

"America’s the greatest country in the world and people are still dying to get in here," Bruyette said. "We as a community support our soldiers and their families very well and I'm appreciative of that."

At least 100 people attended the American Legion Post 14 Veterans Day Ceremony. Many were bundled in coats and blankets and the colors of Old Glory. Others wore veteran caps to tell of their time serving in the Coast Guard or Marine Corps or in conflicts overseas.

"We are here today to honor our country, current service members and to remember the sacrifices that our service members have made throughout the history of our country and the courage it takes to defend honor, duty and country," said guest speaker Jacques Croom Sr., who serves as the chaplain of Post 14. "We are here today to remember their achievements of courage and dedication and I say, ‘Thank you for your services.'"

At 11 a.m., the plaza bell was rung 11 times to commemorate the armistice that brought peace at the end of World War I. Some closed their eyes or bowed their heads, honoring the courage and valor of those who served in past and present conflicts.

“We stand in the midst of patriots and the families and friends of those who have nobly served," Croom said. "To the current members of our military, I say, ‘Thank you for answering the call to duty. You have made our armed forces the most respected in the entire world.’"

He thanked the families of service members: “We know you have lived through difficult times and often taken the heavy load to keep these home fires burning. Thank you for what you have done for us."

Third-, fourth- and fifth-graders from Northwest Expedition Academy in Hayden performed a few songs for the crowd, starting with "Proud to Be an American." When they began to sing "God Bless America," other voices softly hummed or sang along.

The red eyes and noses that could be seen during the performance weren't just from the cold. Coeur d'Alene couple John and Tish Deus were proud to shed a tear as they honored America's vets.

"We thank God for these people, for our veterans who have served over and over and over again and given up so much for us," said Tish, whose dad served 33 years in the Army and whose triplet brothers served in the Air Force and Marines.

"We thank God for them and for the freedom and liberty that we have," she said.

John wiped his cheek as he spoke.

“We’re very patriotic and we love the fact that people express that patriotism,” he said. "It’s not something that other communities do."