On Memorial Day It Is Of Paramount Importance to Remember the Sacrifice and the Service

Little Girl at Ceremony on her Daddy's lap
ph credit - Janet Way

The 85th Annual Memorial Day Celebration at Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Evergreen- Washelli, a day to remember what has been sacrificed to keep America free.

Evergreen Washelli Cemetery on Memorial Day 2011
ph credit - Janet Way

Every year, for 85 years a dedicated group of service members, volunteers and staff create a beautiful celebration to commemorate the service and sacrifice. Hundreds of veterans and families gather and visit the graves of loved ones and those they never knew to show respect.

Memorial Day 2011 was a beautiful cool, but sunny spring day. The service began with selections by the Seattle Pacific University Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Drum Corps led by Gerry Marsh. They play some familiar pieces, including the challenging "1812 Overture" by Tchaikovsky!

French Horn Players in the SPU Wind Ensemble

Members of the  Shoreline Phillipino
Community, veterans and families

ph credit - Janet Way

Navy Seamen and other service members chatting
before the parade of colors.

And inspiring speech was given by Col Jeff Gustafson, Commander of Air Firce ROTC Det 910 at the UW. In his speech he told two stories from history, one about the Flag and the Star Spangled Banner, and the other, about how the song Taps came to be known.

The Parade of Colors in which each branch of the service and local chapters of the American Legion and VFW are represented.

Parade of Colors
ph credit - Janet Way

Shoreline City Councilmember Chris Eggen
represented the Shoreline American Legion
ph credit - Janet Way

State Medal of Honor Recipients were also commemorated.

• Vesa Juhani Alakulppi, Silver Star Recipient

• Lewis Albanese, Medal of Honor Recipient

• William Horton, Medal of Honor Recipient

• Harry Delmar Fadden, Medal of Honor Recipient

• William Kenzo Nakamura, Medal of Honor Recipient

• Robert Ronald Leisy, Medal of Honor Recipient

• Orville Emil Bloch, Medal of Honor Recipient

 From the Memorial Day Program:

The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed on a member of the United States armed forces who distinguishes himself or herself "conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of one's life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in combat action against an enemy of the United States."

More images from today's 85th Annual Celebration. Thanks to all veterans for their service and to their families as well.

Shoreline's  Army Corporal Gerry Shogren and myself.
Gerry is a member of the Veterans Day Committee in Shoreline

Zane and Mariah at todays celebration
with their family
ph credit- Janet Way

Attending todays ceremony were veteran, Corp Gerry Shogren, US Army,
Senator Maralyn Chase, an her mother Norma Mayfield
ph credit - Janet Way

Remember those who serve........

A Trumpeter Who Made the Ultimate
Sacrifice

Remember the fallen on Memorial Day
ph credit - Janet Way