‘The price of freedom’: 100 gather at Port Angeles Memorial Day ceremony

Published 1:30 am Tuesday, May 28, 2019

PORT ANGELES — American flags and flowers decorated the graves of veterans buried at Mount Angeles Memorial Park as people gathered Monday to honor those who died while serving their country.

The approximately 100 people who gathered on Memorial Day stood in silence at the veterans circle as the ceremony started.

“The military men and women who perished in combat gave up all of their tomorrows so that you could enjoy yours,” said Gary Velie, president of the Clallam County Veterans Association.

Velie told those in attendance that Thanksgiving is the day to give thanks for the things we have, Veterans Day is the day to honor the living who once served in the armed forces and Armed Forces Day is the day to honor those currently serving.

“Memorial Day is a day we pause to give thanks to the people who fought for the things we have, those who died in service to our nation” Velie said. “They never made it out of uniform.

“The price of freedom is the amount on that blank check of all who served who gave it their all, up to and including life. Thousands have paid the price so we can enjoy the freedom we have today.”

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1024 paid respect to its fallen comrades during the annual ceremony. Members of American Legion Post 29 and other local veterans groups held American flags during the half-hour ceremony.

Bagpiper Dr. Tom McCurdy performed Amazing Grace before Mount Olympus Detachment 897 of the Marine Corps League performed a rifle salute and played taps.

Amanda Bacon sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America.”

“As long as two comrades survive, so long will Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States render tribute to our heroic dead,” said John Kent, commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1024. “On this day forever consecrated to our heroic dead, we are assembled once again to express sincere reverence.”

Kent said the monument in the veterans circle represents the resting places of many departed comrades who served in all wars.

The memorial inside the circle reads: “Think not only upon their passing but remember the glory of their spirit.”

Other Memorial Day ceremonies took place Monday around the North Olympic Peninsula.

In Clallam County, ceremonies were held at Sequim View, Jamestown, Blue Mountain and Forks cemeteries.

In Jefferson County, ceremonies were hosted at Gardiner Community Cemetery, and Fort Worden, Laurel Grove and St. Mary’s cemeteries in Port Townsend.

“Please remember these veterans not just on this day set aside, but each and every day because they gave the ultimate sacrifice to secure our freedoms,” Kent said at the conclusion of the ceremony. “Thank you once again and see you next year. Dismissed.”

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Reporter Jesse Major can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56250, or at jmajor@peninsuladailynews.com.