Hayden to honor Distinguished Veteran
A boy carries an American flag during last year's Veterans Day Ceremony in Hayden.
Press file photo
The city of Hayden and its Veterans Commission will hold the 20th annual Veterans Day Ceremony at McIntire Family Park at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11.
The ceremony will honor Hayden’s 2026 Distinguished Veteran, Paul Braden.
“Mr. Braden is being recognized for his distinguished military service, outstanding leadership and decades of dedication to veterans and the North Idaho community,” Hayden Events and Recreation Coordinator Jennifer Arrotta said in a statement. “A retired U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer, Paul served 20 years in the military, including Vietnam-era service as a search and rescue specialist and armed helicopter crew chief, earning 16 combat medals.”
The statement adds that after his military career, Braden continued a lifetime of service through volunteer leadership and community involvement.
He currently serves as president of the Idaho Veterans Assistance League. He has held leadership roles with the Coeur d'Alene Elks Lodge, Civil Air Patrol and Idaho Hunter Education for 40 years, as well as numerous veterans organizations.
Friends and colleagues describe Braden as a dedicated problem solver who quietly bridges gaps, brings people together, and always finds a way to get the mission accomplished.
“Through fundraising and community outreach efforts, he has helped provide critical support to veterans and their families,” Arrotta said. “Known for his humble approach and unwavering commitment to helping others, Paul remains active with Kootenai County Search and Rescue, veteran support programs, and community service projects.”
The ceremony will also feature the Northern Lakes Fire Protection District Honor Guard, Skyway and Atlas Elementary Schools Music Programs and the Hot Punch Highlanders.