Tribute to fallen firefighters puts special stamp on Coeur d'Alene's Fourth of July parade
Two riderless horses for fallen firefighters walk on Sherman Avenue in the Fourth of July parade on Friday.
BILL BULEY/Press
Sandy Guerrero shouts "Thank you" to first responders in the Fourth of July parade on Friday in Coeur d'Alene.
Steven Polunsky with the Forget Me Nots plays the drums in the Fourth of July parade on Sherman Avenue.
Lake City High School cheerleaders perform in the Fourth of July parade in Coeur d'Alene.
Veteran Dave Collier waves a flag in the Fourth of July parade in Coeur d'Alene.
The cast from "Grease" with the Lake City Playhouse has fun in Friday's parade.
Coeur d'Alene Mayor Woody McEvers waves to the crowd.
The crowd watches first responders and families pass by during the parade.
Mario and Brenda Spangenberg wave to a van with veterans, including Brenda's dad.
The Deer Park float rolls down Sherman Avenue. On the float are Abby Castle, Elizabeth Hamilton and Hailey Billesbach.
Julie Wyborny with Tour CDA rides and aims during the parade.
The Black Sheep parade entry rides high on Friday.
Coeur d'Alene High School cheerleaders perform in the Fourth of July parade.
Corine Moore rides rollerskates and hands out gifts during the parade.
The Army 25th Band marches down Sherman Avenue.
Tracie Ferris sends out bubbles during the parade.
Coeur d'Alene Tribe members dance as they make their way along Sherman Avenue.
Robbie Walden carries a cross in the parade.
Dani Evans and Justin with Team Hoyt race near the end of the parade.
Brothers Declan and Liam Crismier show their patriot pride as they watch the Fourth of July parade.
Members of the Elks Club enjoy the Fourth of July parade in Coeur d'Alene.
Sydnee and Merrik Ramsey-Rivas ride the ICCU Fourth of July parade entry.
Veteran Dave Irving shakes hands with Coeur d'Alene High School football players during the Fourth of July parade.
The crowd watches first responders and families pass by during the parade.
The North Idaho Sparklers smile their way through the Fourth of July parade.
A woman smiles and waves in the parade.
A sign on Sherman Avenue states support for first responders.
A banner bearing the names of John Morrison and Frank Harwood is carried in the Fourth of July parade on Friday.
Fire responders and families make their way along Sherman Avenue on Friday.
Veterans Jason Legler carries the flag as part of the Honor Guard in the Fourth parade.
As Coeur d’Alene’s firefighters walked down the center of Sherman Avenue in the Fourth of July Parade, Sandy Guerrero shouted two words over and over:
“Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”
Guerrero enthusiastically waved a flag as she continued shouting to the first responders.
“Thank you for your service,” she said.
The North Idaho woman said she respects firefighters for having the compassion and the courage to respond to fires, medical calls or whatever the need may be.
“They’re there to help us,” she said. "I appreciate that. I appreciate what these firemen did.”
Thousands of young and old, many wearing red, white and blue shirts, hats, shoes and dresses, lined Sherman Avenue for the mile-long stretch from 15th Street to Independence Point on a warm and cloudy Friday morning.
The Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber’s “Home of the Brave” parade included nearly 100 entries, with floats, bands, cheerleaders, veterans, dancers and a good number of dogs.
But what started the parade is what led all to stand in silence in a show respect. Two riderless horses representing the lives of fallen firefighters John Morrison and Frank Harwood, who were shot and killed in an ambush attack while responding to an intentionally set fire at Canfield Mountain on Sunday.
A banner had the words, “Forever in our Hearts — Never Forget,” with the men’s names and the date they died, June 29.
A third firefighter, Dave Tysdal, was shot and wounded and remains hospitalized. A banner with his name said, “We Stand With You — Your Fight is Our Fight.”
Following closely, flanking an older fire vehicle, were first responders joined by family and friends. As they walked they parade route, the crowd cheered and applauded.
Coeur d’Alene Fire Chief Tom Greif struggled to find the words to express how he was feeling and what the community’s response to the tragedy has meant.
“I can’t describe it,” he said. “It's just incredible.”
Coeur d’Alene Mayor Woody McEvers was glad to see people come together.
“It feels thicker. It feels closer,” he said before the parade started. “It feels very personal.”
Paul Van Noy, pastor of Candleight Christian Fellowship, rode in a car in the parade. He said the Fourth of July was a time to celebrate, but for Coeur d’Alene, this year, also a time to grieve.
“We're looking for the Lord Jesus Christ to bring his healing power to all the families of our community,” he said.
The parade went nearly two hours, and was marked by displays of love of country, kids rushing for candy and a few special moments.
When a veteran home van passed by, Mario and Brenda Spangenberg rushed out to touch hands and greet those inside. On board was Brenda’s dad, veteran Lee Bolle. The 97-year-old served in Korea.
Brenda Spangenberg wiped away tears as she waved to her father as the van pulled away.
She said the deaths of the firefighters, and now watching her dad in the parade, caught up with her.
“I’m very emotional today,” she said. “I love my dad. He’s amazing.”
Another veteran, Dave Irving, stood when asked so high school football players could shake his hand. A long line quickly formed.
Irving served 10 years in the Air Force. He said he was proud to be called out with other veterans.
“It was an honor to serve our country,” he said.
As the parade ended, Joe Taberner was among the crowd heading out. He said the way it started, with a tribute to the fallen firefighters, was very special and something he will remember.
“It was beautiful,” he said.
Sandy Guerrero shouts "Thank you" to first responders in the Fourth of July parade on Friday in Coeur d'Alene.
Steven Polunsky with the Forget Me Nots plays the drums in the Fourth of July parade on Sherman Avenue.
Lake City High School cheerleaders perform in the Fourth of July parade in Coeur d'Alene.
Veteran Dave Collier waves a flag in the Fourth of July parade in Coeur d'Alene.
The cast from "Grease" with the Lake City Playhouse has fun in Friday's parade.
Coeur d'Alene Mayor Woody McEvers waves to the crowd.
The crowd watches first responders and families pass by during the parade.
Mario and Brenda Spangenberg wave to a van with veterans, including Brenda's dad.
The Deer Park float rolls down Sherman Avenue. On the float are Abby Castle, Elizabeth Hamilton and Hailey Billesbach.
Julie Wyborny with Tour CDA rides and aims during the parade.
The Black Sheep parade entry rides high on Friday.
Coeur d'Alene High School cheerleaders perform in the Fourth of July parade.
Corine Moore rides rollerskates and hands out gifts during the parade.
The Army 25th Band marches down Sherman Avenue.
Tracie Ferris sends out bubbles during the parade.
Coeur d'Alene Tribe members dance as they make their way along Sherman Avenue.
Robbie Walden carries a cross in the parade.
Dani Evans and Justin with Team Hoyt race near the end of the parade.
Brothers Declan and Liam Crismier show their patriot pride as they watch the Fourth of July parade.
Members of the Elks Club enjoy the Fourth of July parade in Coeur d'Alene.
Sydnee and Merrik Ramsey-Rivas ride the ICCU Fourth of July parade entry.
Veteran Dave Irving shakes hands with Coeur d'Alene High School football players during the Fourth of July parade.
The North Idaho Sparklers smile their way through the Fourth of July parade.
A woman smiles and waves in the parade.
A sign on Sherman Avenue states support for first responders.
A banner bearing the names of John Morrison and Frank Harwood is carried in the Fourth of July parade on Friday.
Fire responders and families make their way along Sherman Avenue on Friday.
Veterans Jason Legler carries the flag as part of the Honor Guard in the Fourth parade.