SEQUIM — Hope Stime tried for a festive motif, dressing up the podium at her Park Place Market lot with red, white and blue balloons and tassels, and a bevy of flags.
But the mood was somber Thursday as more than 100 people gathered to commemorate the 59th anniversary of V-J Day, when Japanese forces officially surrendered to the United States in Tokyo Bay in a move that would end this country’s participation in World War II.
“God bless all veterans, wherever they are and whatever war they served in, because we all know it meant a lot to the country,” said Dean Geddes, a member of VFW Post 4760 in Sequim.
Geddes served as the unofficial master of ceremonies for the event, held on Stime’s corner lot at Third Avenue and Washington Street.
Veterans of all ages — including more than 15 who served in World War II — congregated under cloudy skies to hear music, observe military rituals and share stories with those in attendance.
Homage paid
VFW Post 4670 commander and Olympic Peninsula VFW commander Dale Fezer paid homage to his elder servicemen.
“Even though most of our World War II vets are fading away, we can’t forget these people,” Fezer said.
“Let us not forget where we came from and where it all started.”