Idaho Falls

MAYOR'S WELCOME Happy Independence Day Everyone! 2017 Parade Grand Marshals In 1967 the Post Register ran a story about the objectives for the Independence Day Parade in Idaho Falls that year. It reads, "The objectives are promoting love and respect for the fl ag, and that the man in uniform is not the enemy of peace, but the guardian of freedom." Fifty years later we too would like to recognize the guardians of freedom in our community. This year the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce would like to honor all of our veterans, and we have selected two to represent all who have served their country to protect our treasured freedoms. Command Sergeant Major William Keith (Retired) served in the United States Army from February 1970 to August 1992, including a year in Vietnam and a year in South Korea. Originally from Virginia, he and his wife moved to Idaho Falls in 2002. Sergeant Major Keith says his feelings about Independence Day can be summarized by a quote from Patrick Henry: "I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!" He will be joined in the parade by his wife of 47 years, Alda. Sergeant Matt H. "Harry" Peterlin (Retired) served in the United States Marines November 1947 to November 1951. He spent two years in Japan in the occupation forces. Sergeant Peterlin feels very strongly about celebrating Independence Day. "This is a great nation, and it's a great fl ag we're fl ying," Peterlin says. He will be joined in the parade by his wife of 64 years, Myla. They moved to Idaho Falls in 1955 and have been here ever since. 2 | I N D E P E N D E N C E D A Y P A R A D E P R O G R A M 2 0 1 7 For nearly fi ve decades, the Idaho Falls parade has grown to the point where it is now one of the biggest, not-to-be-missed in the state, while the evening Melaleuca Freedom Celebration draws spectators from across the nation. Idaho Falls truly knows how to celebrate the fourth! In addition to the events and activities, Independence Day provides an opportunity for us to remember the unwavering journey of this nation's founders, who in 1776 declared the United States of America would be a beacon of equality to all humanity. And to this day, it is the brave men and women in uniform—our Guardians of Freedom—who continue to preserve our liberties in a sometimes dangerous world. They are not, and never should be, far from our thoughts. As we, our families and friends enjoy this day with food, music and activities, please take extra precautions to do so safely. For those who are joining us from out of town, we welcome you and are eager to show you the hospitality that makes Idaho Falls so special. This includes the parade, the Riverfest, professional baseball courtesy of the Idaho Falls Chukars, our great cuisine, arts, parks, the River Walk, and of course, Melaleuca's Freedom Celebration and its magnifi cent display of fi reworks on the river. Our citizens have put much love and care into this outstanding city on the Snake River. We have much to celebrate. Enjoy! Wishing you and yours a safe celebration, Rebecca Casper Mayor, City of Idaho Falls

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