Leaving North Idaho Better Than We Found It
Every year, as we prepare for Coeur d’Alene’s Fourth of July Celebration, I am reminded that communities don’t become extraordinary by accident. They become extraordinary because people choose, year after year, to show up, serve others, and leave behind something bigger than themselves.
This year’s theme, From Liberty to Legacy, couldn’t feel more fitting.
Legacy isn’t something we inherit. It’s something we build—one act of service, one volunteer shift, one generous contribution, and one courageous decision at a time.
The Legacy of Coeur d’Alene High School Cheer
Last week, members of the Coeur d’Alene High School Cheer Squad volunteered at the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber, helping beautify our landscaping as we prepare for North Idaho’s largest annual event. Watching these young women serve our community made me smile because their story is also part of my own.
I had the honor of being a member of the Coeur d’Alene High School Cheer Team from 1985 to 1987, and one particular experience has stayed with me for forty years.
On July 12, 1986, our squad performed at a human rights rally in Coeur d’Alene City Park organized in opposition to the Aryan Nations World Congress taking place nearby. As a teenager, standing among thousands of people advocating for dignity, inclusion, and the freedoms guaranteed to all Americans left a lasting impression on me.
That experience taught me something I have never forgotten: leadership isn’t reserved for those with titles. Leadership is choosing to stand up for one another. It is understanding that liberty belongs to everyone and that every generation has a responsibility to strengthen the legacy left by those who came before us.
Legacy Is Alive in Our Community
Today, forty years later, I see that same spirit alive and well throughout our community.
I see it in Steve and Judy Meyer, this year’s American Heroes Parade Grand Marshals. For decades, they have invested in education, healthcare, environmental stewardship, libraries, museums, and countless organizations that make North Idaho stronger.
I see it in Chuck Riffel, this year’s Military Hero of the Year. At 93 years old, Chuck’s service did not end with the Korean War. For decades, he has continued serving veterans throughout our region, proving that a life of service has no expiration date.
I see it in our presenting sponsor, ICCU, whose commitment extends far beyond financial support. Through volunteerism, leadership, and community investment, their beloved Green Team continuously demonstrates what it means to be a true community partner.
Stewardship That Will Last for Generations
I see it in the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, a proud sponsor and participant in our Fourth of July Celebration. Their legacy can be seen in the millions of dollars they have invested in our youth and educational programs, in their extraordinary generosity, and in their leadership as stewards of the land they have called home since time immemorial.
I see it in the 120 volunteers who make this celebration possible each year. Organizations like Idaho Panhandle Kiwanis, Rotary Club of Coeur d’Alene, Scouting America, and Kootenai County Sheriff Volunteer Search and Rescue donate countless hours to ensure families can create memories that last a lifetime.
I see it in my lifelong friend and Coeur d’Alene High School classmate, Michael Koep, whose work through Koep Concerts ensures that music, art, and culture continue to thrive in North Idaho year-round.
I see it in the Hagadone family of companies, whose partnership helps create unforgettable experiences, including the fireworks display generations of families have come to cherish.
And I see it every day in the City of Coeur d’Alene—the Streets and Engineering teams, our Fire Department, and our Police Department—whose tireless efforts help keep our community safe, beautiful, and welcoming.
What Will Our Legacy Be?
As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, I find myself asking: What will future generations say about us?
My hope is that they will say we showed up. That we cared. That we chose community over division. That we protected the freedoms our Forefathers fought so hard to establish—not only for some, but for all.
To the CHS Cheer Squad, thank you. Thank you for your service, your partnership, and your participation in our American Heroes Parade year after year. You may not realize it today, but you are already building your own legacy.
Legacy is not a destination we arrive at. It is a gift we create, together, one generation at a time.
As we gather this Fourth of July to celebrate 250 years of American independence, may we remember that liberty was never intended to end with us. It was entrusted to us, and the greatest way we can honor that gift is by leaving behind a legacy worthy of those who will one day inherit it.
Join Us This Fourth of July
North Idaho’s largest annual celebration takes an entire community to bring to life, and volunteers are still needed. Help us continue this incredible tradition and build a legacy that will endure for generations to come.
Volunteer here: https://form.jotform.com/260846051789164
We look forward to celebrating with you!
