Memorial Day ceremonies are planned today across the North Olympic Peninsula.
Port Angeles
• Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6787 (Carlsborg) and the local Daughters of the American Revolution-Michael Trebert Chapter host a public ceremony at 9:30 a.m. today at Mount Angeles Memorial Park, 45 Monroe Road, Port Angeles.
The ceremony is “a day to remember fallen soldiers, a day that calls both for solemn reflection and for patriotic celebration,” organizers said.
Memorial Day is also a half-staff holiday; flags should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon, and then raised to the top of the pole until sunset. Those unable to lower their flags can use a mourning streamer or mourning bow.
Port Angeles has not had a public Memorial Day Ceremony since 2019.
The ceremony includes local soloist Amanda Bacon, the Clallam County Junior American Citizens children reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and Post 6787 Commander Rod Lee of the Veterans of Foreign Wars leading the ceremonial ritual.
Memorial wreaths will be laid at the cemetery flag pole at Veterans Circle by nonprofit organizations.
“Memorial Day is a sacred day to all veterans,” Lee said. “By honoring the nation’s war dead, we preserve their memory by honoring their service and sacrifice.”
Public assistance would also be appreciated to pick up the small flags at 4 p.m. today at both cemeteries, organizers said.
For more information about volunteering, see justserve.org/projects and search “Memorial Day flag placement — Mt. Angeles Cemetery.”
• Captain Joseph House plans its 11th Memorial Day Service at the Captain Joseph House at 4 p.m. today.
The ceremony outdoors, at 1108 S. Oak St., will honor the men and women of the armed forces who have sacrificed their lives in war.
Tours will be available after the ceremony.
Sequim
• On Memorial Day, the first Sequim ceremony begins at Sequim View Cemetery, 1505 Sequim-Dungeness Way. Sequim VFW Post 4760 will conduct the ceremony starting at 11 a.m.
American Legion Post 62 will then host Memorial Day ceremonies at Jamestown (11:30 a.m.), Dungeness (noon) and Blue Mountain (12:45 p.m.) cemeteries.
VFW Post 6787 is also supporting ceremonies at Gardiner and Mount Angeles cemeteries. All are welcome to attend all ceremonies.
Forks
• The Forks American Legion Post 106 will offer a ceremony at 11 a.m. today.
It will be at the Forks Cemetery.
Port Townsend
• The American Legion Marvin G. Shields Memorial Post 26, Bruce F. Matheson Post 7948, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and BPOE (Elks) Lodge 317, Port Townsend, will conduct honor ceremonies at area cemeteries with the aid of local Scout troops.
At each of four cemeteries, organizations will lay floral tributes, post colors, present a gun salute and play taps in public ceremonies.
The day will begin at 9 a.m. at the Fort Worden Military Cemetery, 2213 Spruce St., Port Townsend; followed by Laurel Grove on Old Discovery Bay Road at 9:45; St. Mary’s Star of the Sea, 1335 Blaine St., at 10:15; and Greenwood Cemetery at 9099 state Highway 19 at 11 a.m. Times for the last three are approximate.
Following these ceremonies will be a ceremony at the American Legion Hall, 209 Monroe St., Port Townsend.
A concert by the Port Townsend Summer Band is set from 11:30 a.m. to noon, followed by a brief program.
Finally, the groups will lay a floral tribute on the waters at Pope Marine Park and issue an invitation to a buffet sandwich and salad luncheon at the Legion Hall with all welcome.
• Also in Port Townsend today will be a tribute to veterans and families, with catered food and beverages and live music in the Avamere Port Townsend front parking lot, 1201 Hancock St., for Avamere residents, each of whom can have one guest, staff and first responders.
The tribute is planned from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Each resident will be provided a voucher for one guest.
“Feel free to bring your branch identity in apparel or a photo,” according to a press release.
The dance band Sound Advice will feature the sounds of Motown, classic Soul and greatest hits.
Catering will be by Tommy Knockers. The menu will be barbecue pulled pork sandwich, coleslaw and potato salad with brownies and canned sodas.
Port Ludlow
• The South Bay Community Association will conduct a Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony at 10 a.m. today.
The ceremony will be at the Bay Club, 120 Spinnaker Place in Port Ludlow.
All are welcome to the free event.
Any person with a dedication is asked to email the SBCA general manager at gm@sbca.club, along with name, branch of service and conflict.
