Distinguished veteran Robert Martin to lead Hayden Lights Parade

HAYDEN — Being selected as grand marshal for today’s Lights Parade is certainly not the first honor Robert Martin has received over the years.

The Vietnam War veteran has received three Purple Hearts, a Silver Star and several other distinguished awards for his service during four tours in Vietnam.

“I was kind of a wild guy back in those days,” Martin joked. “But if you’re going to make the Army your career, and we’re at war, then the war is where you belong.”

Martin was named Hayden’s Distinguished Veteran of the Year this past Veterans Day and has long served as the commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 889 in Coeur d’Alene.

During tonight’s parade down Government Way, Martin and his wife will lead the procession alongside Mayor Alan Davis and his wife.

Martin was thankful to hear they’ll be riding in an SUV, rather than a convertible, in the chilly winter weather.

Martin moved to Coeur d’Alene from Chicago in 2014. Having grown up in Spokane, he recalls having a love for Coeur d’Alene since an early age.

“I remember as a kid, Coeur d’Alene was the best place to go to,” Martin told The Press. “It only took me 50 years to come back.”

Martin is constantly blown away by the support for veterans he sees in the North Idaho community.

“I’ve had 14-, 15-year-olds come up and thank me for my service,” Martin said. “That never happened in Chicago.”

Now, it seems Martin and his wife have found their forever home.

“When we first moved here, Coeur d’Alene was the slice of Americana that existed 50 years ago and we love it,” Martin explained. “We love the friends we have here, my post and the guys ... we’re not going anywhere.”

Tonight's parade begins at 5 p.m. and runs along Government Way from Hayden Avenue to Honeysuckle Avenue. The tree lighting ceremony will immediately follow at McIntire Family Park.