MEDICAL LAKE, Wash. — Dozens of people stood shoulder to shoulder at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery on Monday morning, hands over their hearts as the Star-Spangled Banner played, to honor those who gave their lives for their country.
The annual Memorial Day ceremony brought together families, veterans and community members to reflect on the stories and sacrifices of America’s fallen heroes.
Solomon Gilbert, deputy director of the Washington Department of Veteran Affairs and an Army veteran, addressed the crowd, saying, “The calendar says we set aside one special day, but our hearts and minds know we remember them always.”
The ceremony included speakers, a presentation of colors, and moments of quiet reflection. Afterward, many visitors took time to visit the graves of loved ones.
Linda Peterson visited her husband’s grave after the ceremony. He served in Vietnam and died in 2023.
“We should remember the sacrifice that the men and women made, and that we should be honoring them and keeping them in our hearts and know that their sacrifice wasn’t in vain,” Peterson said. “He was very proud. He would’ve done it again.”
Jeff Janke, a Gulf War veteran, also attended the ceremony and visited the graves of both his father and his uncle.
“He was the same person after he got out as he was when he was in. He had the greatest love for his country,” Janke said of his father.
Janke reflected on his own service, saying it was difficult to be deployed and away from family.
“I missed my brothers growing up. I missed wonderful moments,” he said. “However, to see the love and respect and support from civilians that were here today – it makes it all worth missing out on stuff like that.”
COPYRIGHT 2025 BY KXLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
