Thousands turn out to support family of fallen Air Force Capt. David Lyon

A hero's welcome
Community gathers to honor Lyon, family
Bonner County Daily Bee
By CAROLINE LOBSINGER Staff writer
Posted: Sunday, January 12, 2014

SANDPOINT — As he walked into a coffee shop, the man turned around and asked why everyone was downtown, why there were so many flags.

“We lost one of our own in Afghanistan,” someone in the crowd lining First Avenue called out. “We’re welcoming his family home. We want them to know we love him. We want them to know we’re here for them.”

Several thousand Bonner County residents did just that Saturday as they turned out en masse — packing First Avenue, Cedar Street and the Long Bridge — to show their support for the family of Air Force Capt. David Lyon, who died Dec. 27 in Afghanistan when his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device.

Lyon was buried Wednesday in the Air Force Academy cemetery and his family was returning home from his funeral service.

Friends and community members wanted to do something to let Lyon’s family know how much he meant to people and how appreciative they are of his service. Word of the planned tribute spread quickly via social media and word of mouth.

Local veterans groups got involved. Soon, Boy Scout troops made plans to line the Long Bridge and form an honor guard. The Sandpoint Lions spread out throughout the downtown and along the bridge to share their flags. Homemade signs, from a simple “Bless You” to “David Lyon: Hometown Hero, Always Remembered. Never Forgotten.”
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