On Veterans Day last year, the iconic Third Street bell was transported to the RD Rankin Veterans Memorial Plaza for the ceremony, having been removed during construction from the Third Street dock entrance, its home for decades. At some point that day, my friend and World War II veteran Jim Shepperd told me that it would be the last time he rang the bell. I was startled, as Jim, a life member of VFW 889, had done the honors for a half-century, both on Veterans Day and Memorial Day. When I asked why, he said he didn't know if the bell would be placed in the new McEuen Park. The next day, I called Coeur d'Alene City Councilman Mike Kennedy and relayed what I'd been told and asked if he could look into the future of the bell at McEuen. He did one better, by passing my request along to then-Mayor-Elect Steve Widmyer/Kerri Thoreson, Coeur d'Alene Press. More here.

Question: Have you paid attention to the plans for the veterans area at the new McEuen Field?