Veterans gather for yearly recognition in Rathdrum

RATHDRUM — Every generation has its veterans, Jason Legler with the Idaho Division of Veterans Services said Saturday.

There were those who served in the trenches of World War I, stormed the beaches of Normandy, or can still recall the jungles of Vietnam.

Each and every one of these veterans has a story, Legler said.

“What ties us all together isn’t the war we fought or the places we served,” he said. “It’s the bond of duty.”

As the former Special Forces Command Sergeant Major and Army veteran addressed about 100 of his brothers and sisters during Veterans Recognition Day, Legler emphasized that veterans have a new mission after completing their service.

“It’s about leaving your corner of the world a better place than it was,” he said.  

The event has been put on for over 13 years by American Legion Post 154, the Northwest Guardian Riders, and the city of Rathdrum. Attendees gathered at Lakeland High School.

Ceremonial traditions include the observance of the Prisoners of War/Missing in Action table, the presentation of the veterans' wreath, and a moment of silence for those who did not return home from service.  

Steve Cardoza with Northwest Freedom Riders said he received a special certificate recognizing all of Idaho’s veterans, signed by Gov. Brad Little. 

He also gave “special recognition” to first responders.

Cardoza, along with Bronson Baker with Northern Lakes Fire Department, took time to reflect on the loss of fire engineers Frank Harwood and John Morrison, who were shot and killed in an ambush earlier this year.  

“All of us here were somehow impacted by the tragedy on Canfield Mountain,” Baker said.