No amount of wind or rain could dampen the spirits of those who gathered at the Veterans Plaza last Saturday, November 11 at Cirque Park to honor our veterans.
The University Place Pack 148 led the pledge of allegiance, followed by a soulful national anthem performed by Sergeant Tricia Scheer, 133rd Washington National Guard. The ceremony continued with heartfelt speeches from Mayor Steve Worthington, Lieutenant Colonel Nick Holten, 1-229th Attack Battalion Commander, Dr. Mari Leavitt, Washington State House Representative 28th Legislative District, with Invocation and Benediction from Captain Daren Armstrong, Deputy Brigade Chaplain, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, culminated in a solemn laying of the wreath.
The haunting notes of Taps played by Staff Sergeant Matthew Rodriguez, US Army I Corps Band, and the stirring rendition of Amazing Grace by Robert Wallace of the Clan Gordon Pipe Band added to the dignity and solemnity of the occasion. A big thank you to Entertainment Masters who provided the sound system and music for the event and to the University Place Veterans Plaza 501c3 non-profit whose dedication to honoring our heroes is truly inspiring and we can’t thank them enough for their hard work. The ceremony was a beautiful tribute to those who serve and have served our nation and a reminder of the sacrifices they made for us.
Hear about the history, creation and symbolism behind the Veterans Plaza where the Ceremony was held in this short documentary, “In Their Honor.”
For more photos from this year's event, visit the City's Facebook Page.