SUQUAMISH — As local vets gathered one week after Veterans Day at the Suquamish Tribal Center, they were enveloped by children’s laughter and community warmth during an honoring ceremony acknowledging their service in the Armed Forces.

Surrounded by family, friends and comrades Saturday, they recounted memories from their time serving the United States.

“I always enjoy coming to this celebration,” said Vietnam veteran Bruce Nelson. “This is my fourth time here. There’s a sense of healing — a lot of healing — that comes with the celebration. There’s also a strong sense of camaraderie. It really helps me heal.”

More than 50 vets gathered in a circle in the tribal center’s gym to introduce themselves and share a story or special memory from their service. Many simply stated their their names, preferring to sit and listen rather than talk.

“This is my fourth one,” said Vietnam veteran and Poulsbo City Councilman Jim Henry. “I appreciate each one more than the last because it gives me a chance to relax and listen to other people’s stories.”

World War II veteran John Watte was given a special honor at the end of the veterans’ introduction for his service from 1941 to 1945 in the Army. Saturday marked his first time attending the Suquamish event.

He said he enjoyed hearing from the different veterans, and that it brought back memories from his own time in the Armed Forces.

“He came home on Thanksgiving in 1945,” said Joan Watte, his wife. “That holiday will always be special to us. We’ve been married for 53 years now.”

“I thought I would take a look and see what this celebration was like,” John Watte said. “I’ll definitely be back next year.”

Following introductions, there was a moment of silence for those soldiers who had fallen while serving. A memorial, dedicated to the tribal veterans, was unveiled during the celebration as well; a five-sided, concrete creation to honor soldiers who have died, and those that are still fighting, said Suquamish Tribal Chairman Leonard Forsman.

“The plaques are still being designed,” he said, as he lifted the cover off of the names that would be listed on the memorial. “This is not completely done yet, but we wanted everyone to see it. I’ll read the names that will be on the memorial.”

He proceeded to do just that, naming tribal veterans from each of the five branches of the Armed Services: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. Each branch will be commemorated on a side of the memorial, with an eagle on top of the sculpture, perching over all of the names.

Following the memorial’s debut, a 21-gun salute blasted through the air to honor the gathered veterans and those still fighting.

“Taps” filled the air shortly thereafter, paying tribute to soldiers who have died, holding the audience in silence until the haunting tune came to an end.