My dad, Ron Rankin, had a vision to build a veterans memorial plaza between the old courthouse and the new administrative building in Coeur d'Alene. Dad was elected Kootenai County Commissioner in 1996, and served two terms from January 1997 through January 2003.
Dad began to raise money from private individuals for the three flagpoles and dedicatory stone. In 1998 the 8-ton black marble "Killed In Action" monument was placed in the plaza. Over the next few years the 13 wall panels of battle scenes from history, and the Hall of Heroes/Medal of Valor recipients and Purple Heart Honor Roll were added. Dad considered this memorial to veterans as his legacy. To this day, no public money has been used for the memorials, including the 14th marble wall panel honoring those who have and continue to serve in Iraq which was added in 2005.
After Dad's passing in 2004, the county unanimously decreed that the plaza be dedicated in his name. On Memorial Day 2005, the Rankin family donated the eagle statue to the citizens and veterans of Kootenai County during a ceremony to dedicate the Ronald D. Rankin Veterans Memorial Plaza.
A life member and founding Judge Advocate of the Pappy Boyington Detachment #966 of the Marine 
Corps League, Dad was also a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9831; a member of American Legion Post 14; and a member of the "Chosin Few," a last-man organization of those who survived the Chosin Reservoir Campaign in North Korea, November-December 1950.
Corps League, Dad was also a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9831; a member of American Legion Post 14; and a member of the "Chosin Few," a last-man organization of those who survived the Chosin Reservoir Campaign in North Korea, November-December 1950.
My sister, Kerri Rankin Thoreson, continues today as the curator of the plaza and oversees the memorials and ceremonies which take place there. She is also the wonderful photographer credited with these photographs. I hope you'll join me today in prayer for our veterans, past and present, that our Heavenly Father will hold them in His loving hands as they stand between us and tyranny. Semper Fi, daddy.
Janna Rankin Scharf provides a superior level of real estate services to home buyers and sellers in Coeur d'Alene and Kootenai County, Idaho. Visit www.JannaScharf.com to search for homes in the Coeur d'Alene MLS for anywhere in spectacular North Idaho.
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Janna- What a nice tribute to your father! I will join in prayer with you today with a thankful heart for all that our veterans have done for us!
Your daddy was a hero, Janna. I'm so happy that you have honored his memory in this post. I KNOW you are so proud of him. Few people dream a dream...and then follow it through. Your dad was a special man. GBU!
What a beautiful tribute to your dad and I know you must be proud. Like most veterans, he didn't stop serving his country when he was discharged, as evidenced by the memorial he spearheaded.
What an awesome way to honor verterans and your dad Janna. Thanks for sharing and Warm greetings from Paradise.
Your dad was a great man, and this is a wonderful tribute to him, his legacy, and to all veterans. Thank-you for posting this reminder about the great men and women who serve and have served our country in the military.
Without Janna's enthusiasm and support the eagle statue might not have happened. I'm honored to be her sister and we're honored to be the daughters of such a special father.
Semper Fi!
Kerri
Janna, what an awesome tribute to your father and to those who have served our country.
Thank you for posting, it was very heartwarming.
BTW, thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting - your support is appreciated!
What a wonderful story...your dad was a great man to inspire that....
Thanks for commenting on my car post. It has been a really tough decision for me and I appreciate your input.