'We are all indebted'

COEUR d’ALENE — Leo Benoit was a few minutes late for the Memorial Day ceremony on Sunday at St. Thomas Cemetery.

But since the 95-year-old veteran put his life on the line for his country in World War II, that’s perfectly OK.

“I think you're probably the oldest living veteran among us right here,” Father John Mosier said to Benoit shortly after he arrived.

The enemy tried to sink him. Blow him up. Shoot him at Normandy on D-Day. Kill him as he and his Army unit fought their way across Germany.

They couldn't get Benoit, who lives in Coeur d’Alene with his partner, Lillian Lind.

“They can't stop me,” Mosier said, reciting words Benoit previously told him.

And they still can't.

The crowd of about 100 applauded as Benoit smiled and nodded.

The 30-minute program on a cloudy, cool afternoon was among the first of many tributes to fallen veterans that will take place this holiday weekend.

Flags fluttered as bagpipers Lisa Pratt and Deborah Cole led the procession.

Guest speaker Rick Schwartz thanked those in attendance “for understanding the importance of honoring those that have given so much.”

“Thank you Father John, captain United States Marine Corps veteran, for being our trusted spiritual leader, friend and truly everything a Catholic parish could ask for,” he said.

Schwartz said “the reason why we're all here today is to honor and respect and show our love to the fallen heroes who have given everything.

“We are all indebted,” he said.

He encouraged adults “to teach the youngest of us and future generations the importance of remembering, honoring and keeping the faith.”

Donna Maddox with the Patriot Guard Riders was proud to be there.

“Freedom isn’t free,” she said, her eyes tearing up.

The gathering included a loud rendition of "God Bless America."

“Let us sing to our great nation," Mosier said. “Please stand.”

They did.