'They said his name'

Rhonda Budvarson helps her grandsons, Daylynn, Devin and Morgen Budvarson, place wreaths at veteran gravesites at Coeur d'Alene Memorial Gardens on Saturday.
BILL BULEY/Press

Chief Petty Officer Dennis Fox carries a remembrance wreath at Coeur d'Alene Memorial Gardens on Saturday in memory of those who served and are serving in the Navy.

Idaho State Police Trooper Tim Myers salutes during the Wreaths Across America ceremony Saturday in Coeur d'Alene.

Pat Mitchell holds a wreath at Coeur d'Alene Memorial Gardens on Saturday.

People watch the Wreaths Across America ceremony Saturday in Coeur d'Alene.

Morgen Budvarson carries a wreath at Coeur d'Alene Memorial Gardens on Saturday.

Marty Behm watches as the Color Guard, from left, Kootenai County Sheriff's Deputy Natalie Elzbeth, Idaho State Police Trooper Tim Myers, ISP Trooper Holly Branch and Deputy Brian Dubs exits during the Wreaths Across America ceremony at Coeur d'Alene Memorial Gardens on Saturday.

Wreaths decorate the gravesites of veterans at Coeur d'Alene Memorial Gardens on Saturday.

Jesse Harlan plays Taps during the Wreaths Across America ceremony Saturday.

by BILL BULEY
Staff Writer | December 17, 2023 1:08 AM

COEUR d’ALENE — As her three grandsons carried wreaths, Rhonda Budvarson guided them to veteran burial sites at Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens on Saturday.

The brothers, Daylynn, Devin and Morgen Budvarson, wanted to find the headstones bearing the names of family members and friends.

“We do care about the people that did protect us,” said Daylynn Budvarson.

Their grandmother said she hopes her grandsons learn about patriotism and respect for military service by taking part in the Wreaths Across America project on a 30-degree, foggy morning.

Their father, Jacob Budvarson, is a Marine Corps veteran.

Daylynn Budvarson said the country could use more patriotism, “but you know what? It’s always good when people gather. It lights a candle.”

About 100 people turned out for the wreath-laying ceremony, the laying of more than 800 wreaths at veteran gravesites. They also said the veteran's name aloud and thanked them for their service.

“It’s a small act that goes a long way toward keeping the memory of our veterans alive,” said Marty Behm, emcee and Lt. Gov. of North Idaho with the Kiwanis Club. “Remember, we’re not here to decorate graves. We are here to remember not their deaths, but their lives.”

Similar ceremonies were held at Pinegrove Cemetery in Rathdrum and across the country.

Wreaths Across America is a national organization with a mission to remember, honor and teach appreciation of service.

Coeur d’Alene City Council member and Air Force veteran Christie Wood was the keynote speaker.

“Let us be inspired by the dedication of those who have gone before us and strive to be better stewards of the freedom they so valiantly defended,” she said.

Wood said families of veterans deserve credit, too.

“Their contributions are immeasurable and their resilience a testament to the strength of the American spirit,” she said.

Wood said wreaths are also a call to action.

“It’s my hope we can remember our fallen service members not only through our words, but also through actions, our patriotism, our service, our sacrifice, our participation in the democratic process, our love of freedom,” Wood said.

Kathy Bush said her dad, John J. Mitchell, served 21 years in the Marine Corps, including at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir in Korea, and is buried in San Antonio at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

Bush said she went there eight years ago and saw a wreath on his gravesite.

“That beautiful wreath laying up against his headstone was incredibly moving,” she said.

Bush finds comfort in knowing her father will not be alone during Wreaths Across America.

“I know somebody is there and they said his name,” she said.