Memorial Day is a day to remember those who have given their lives in the pursuit of freedom, but it’s also a day to honor those currently serving our country.
The sacrifices made by those who have served, or are serving, are great, whether they’re on the front lines in Iraq or serving right here in Kitsap County, they have made the ultimate commitment to all citizens of the United States.
Kitsap County is unique in the fact that it is surrounded by military bases. Memorial Day is an especially important day to celebrate and honor the military of the past, present and future. There are several events in Kitsap County where you can show your support. Whether or not you can attend one of these special events, take a minute and thank someone who has served or is serving in the military. Even if you don’t know them, a simple “thank you” is all that is needed to show your gratitude for the freedom you enjoy today.
The following Memorial Day ceremonies will be taking place throughout the weekend and Monday:
A time to remember
This Memorial Day, join good friends and neighbors in honoring all the known and unknown heroes, past and present who sacrificed their lives to help make this country great. Festivities begin at 9 a.m. today, May 24, at Miller-Woodlawn Memorial Park, 5505 Kitsap Way, Bremerton. In keeping with tradition, local Boy and Girl Scouts will be placing flags on veterans’ graves. The festivities continue tomorrow with a candlelight service at 8 p.m. featuring the following: Keith Highlanders Pipe Band, musical selections by the Ladies Quartet and the National Guard’s Table of Remembrance. Historical military memorabilia will be displayed throughout the weekend and fireworks will follow tomorrow evening. For more information, call (360) 377-7648.
USS Turner Joy ceremony
The general public is invited to attend a Memorial Day ceremony on the fantail of the Navy memorial ship, USS Turner Joy at 10 a.m., Monday, May 26. The Turner Joy ship is located near the Bremerton ferry terminal along the Bremerton Boardwalk. Rear Adm. James Symonds, commander, Navy Region Northwest, is the guest speaker. The ceremony is being sponsored by the Bremerton-Olympic Peninsula Navy League Council. Parking is available at the Kitsap Conference Center at Bremerton Harborside near the Bremerton ferry terminal. Coffee and donuts will be provided.
FRA Memorial Day ceremony
The Fleet Reserve Association Bremerton Branch 29 will host its annual Memorial Day ceremony at 11 a.m. Monday, May 26, at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 5409 Kitsap Way. Capt. Catherine Wilson, Naval Hospital Bremerton commanding officer, will be the speaker. The Marine Corps rifle detail from Bangor will fire the salute. The event is open to the public.
Sunset Lane tribute ceremony
Sunset Lane Memorial Park, 1000 Bethel Ave., in Port Orchard will host a Memorial Day tribute ceremony at 11 a.m. Monday, May 26.
The event will be conducted by American Legion Post 30 and Auxiliary and the Veterans of Foreign War Post 2669 and Auxiliary. The event is open to the public.
