The Kitsap Mall showcase of Service Men & Women Past and Present (on display at the center court) was a moving and dignified tribute to our nation’s veterans on this special weekend. Laid out on long, decorated tables were acrylic display frames with hundreds of photographs and identifying information. As I examined each photograph, vividly alive were the images of veterans from World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, First Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan. These veterans are the fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, aunts, and uncles of all of us. Particularly heart-wrenching are the photographs of those killed in action. The photos represent the military services of U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and U.S. Air Force.

My sincere thanks to the management of Kitsap Mall for this very special commemoration that is clearly above and beyond the usual merchandised treatment of Memorial Day. And kudos to Angie Pomeroy who coordinated this display with the public.

James M. Olsen, Captain, US Coast Guard (retired)

Bainbridge Island