Hayden and its Veterans Commission will hold the city’s 20th annual Veterans Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. Nov. 11 at McIntire Family Park. The event will honor Paul Braden as Hayden’s 2026 Distinguished Veteran.
Hayden Distinguished Veteran Recognized
Braden is a retired U.S. Navy chief petty officer who served 20 years in the military. During the Vietnam era, he worked as a search and rescue specialist and armed helicopter crew chief. He earned 16 combat medals.
Braden is president of the Idaho Veterans Assistance League. He also has held leadership positions with the Coeur d’Alene Elks Lodge, Civil Air Patrol and Idaho Hunter Education for 40 years. His current activities include work with Kootenai County Search and Rescue, veteran support programs and community service projects.
Veterans Day Ceremony Participants
The ceremony will include the Northern Lakes Fire Protection District Honor Guard, music programs from Skyway and Atlas elementary schools, and the Hot Punch Highlanders.
Jennifer Arrotta said Braden is being honored for his military service, leadership and long-term work supporting veterans and the North Idaho community. Arrotta also said his fundraising and community outreach have helped provide support to veterans and their families.