Hearts of gold

COEUR d’ALENE — Noelan “Mac” McCormack was attached to his M1A rifle, but for the right reason, he was willing to part with it.

He found that reason.

The member of Pappy Boyington Detachment 966 Marine Corps League recently donated the semi-automatic firearm so it could be a prize in a drawing to raise money for the Coeur d’Alene Gold Star Memorial Monument.

Ticket sales were strong and brought in $10,350.

“I’m glad we’re able to do this,” McCormack said Monday.

Commandant Michael Quinn was also pleased with the donation.

“It’s all about getting out there, remembering the families and the people who gave the ultimate sacrifice,” he said.

The monument and about 600 burial plots for veterans will go in the southeast corner of Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens, just off Government Way near Wilbur Avenue.

The project is expected to cost about $100,000.

The monument was designed by the Woody Williams Foundation, a nonprofit named after Hershel "Woody" Williams, who died last year. Williams was the last living Medal of Honor recipient from World War II.

One side of the four-section monument will read, "Gold Star Families Memorial Monument. A tribute to Gold Star Families and Relatives who sacrificed a Loved One for our Freedom."

The other side includes pictures and the words “Homeland,” “Family,” “Patriot” and “Sacrifice.”

T.J. Harris, general manager of Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens, said the monument will be a place for people to stop and pay tribute to all who have served or are still serving in the military.

He said they are hoping to start the monument process within the next year, and Monday’s donation from the Pappy Boyington Detachment 966 Marine Corps League helps.

“This is a big portion of it,” he said.

Theresa Hart said the Gold Star monument would mean a great deal to her and others who lost a family member in the line of duty in military service.

Hart founded Newby-ginnings of North Idaho, Inc. after her son, Nicholas Newby, was killed in action July 7, 2011, in Iraq. Newby-ginnings provides resources and supplies to local veterans in need.

“I’m just very proud of our community,” she said. “I hope we can make this happen.”

Pappy Boyington Detachment 966 Marine Corps League also donated $2,500 to Newby-ginnings.

Hart said the funds will help local veterans with emergency financial situations.

“Sometimes they hit speed bumps. This helps them get over their speed bumps,” she said.

Veteran Darrell Mayer said they were glad to do what they could.

“That’s what the Marine Corps League is all about, supporting veterans in Kootenai County,” he said.