A Veterans Day tradition on the North Olympic Peninsula has been put on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic .
The regional ceremony at the Coast Guard Air Station Sector Field Office Port Angeles on Ediz Hook has drawn thousands each year.
“Sadly no, that event got canceled pretty early on in the pandemic and is delayed until 2021,” said Cmdr. Scott Austin on Friday.
“Our facilities are still closed to the public due to COVID-19.”
However, in Sequim, the Jack Grennan Post 62 American Legion, Michael Trebert Chapter-NSDAR and Sequim Prairie Garden Club will host a Veterans Day public ceremony at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Pioneer Memorial Park.
Facial coverings and social distancing will be adhered to for this public ceremony at 387 E. Washington St., organizers said.
The event will also be live-streamed at facebook.com/nwvrc.
It is the only event announced so far on the North Olympic Peninsula.
American Legion riders are to be in place with a flag line by 9:30 a.m. before the ceremony begins with bagpipe music from Rick McKenzie.
The master of ceremonies, Paul Renick, commander of Jack Grennan Post 62 American Legion, will welcome those who attend. Amanda Bacon will sing the national anthem” and Sequim Deputy Mayor Tom Ferrell will honor veterans after an introduction by Mayor William Armacost.
Thank-you notes written by students in grades 1-3 during an Oct. 24 “What is a Veteran?” event and red, white and blue flowers will be distributed to veterans.
For more information, contact Judy Tordini at 360-460-2346 or jktrn@wildblue.net.
Also on Wednesday, Washington State Ferries will honor veterans with a moment of silence. POW/MIA flags will fly on all operating vessels that day.
Following the moment of silence, all operating vessels underway will sound their whistles to salute all former military personnel, including the many veterans who work for State Ferries or ride the boats each day.
Quilts of Valor volunteers continue creating quilts for veterans despite the inability to conduct public ceremonies during the pandemic, said Kathey Bates, team leader of North Olympic Peninsula Quilts of Valor.
Requests, as well as potential volunteers, can contact her at 1katheybates@gmail.com or 360-316-9798.
