Remembering those who served locally

State memorials dedicated in memory of the fallen

Memorial Day is a day set aside to honor the ultimate sacrifices of the brave men and women who fought for the freedom of the our country. The military is a large presence in the community, with four bases in a 80-mile radius. Three local memorials honor the branches of the military that have had the biggest impact in the area.

WAR MEMORIAL PARK, Tacoma

Located near the Tacoma Narrows Bridge just off 6th Avenue, it is a small unassuming park nestled in a quiet community. The park features a large bell salvaged from the first USS Tacoma when it was decommissioned after its service during World War I. The park includes a path and bridge that leads to monuments dedicated to different wars, veterans and prisoners of wars, including one large one dedicated to the fallen men and women of WWI and WWII. Placards line the walkway leading to the monuments, detailing the service of the USS Tacoma and history. — Traveling the Pacific Northwest blog

GRAYLAND AND MEMORIAL COMMUNITY PARK, Puyallup

Built on a depression formed from at the old north riverbed of the Puyallup River, the park has always been a key part of the Puyallup community. Before the course of the river was changed, the park was a frequent picnic spot for the locals. After the river’s direction was changed, it left a natural pocket for the park.

At the end of WWII, an idea was presented to the city of Puyallup to build a memorial for the service men who gave their lives. A community fundraising effort enabled the city to expand part of the park in 1951 to create a memorial for the Puyallup servicemen who gave their lives in WWII. — City of Puyallup

WINGED VICTORY MEMORIAL, Olympia

The monument was designed shortly after the main capital and surrounding buildings were finished in 1927. It honors those who served in WWI. The sculpture has at its center the Greek goddess Nike, or victory. She is accompanied by representatives of the armed forces that existed at that time, that of the Navy, Army and Marines. A Red Cross nurse also stands with them, signifying the care the Red Cross gave in taking care of the wounded.

— Olympia Historical Society

MEDAL OF HONOR, Olympia

This site honors the Washingtonians who received the Medal of Honor, the highest award that anyone can earn in the U.S. armed forces. Throughout history, fewer than 3,500 individuals have received this honor, many after their death. The monument itself is a replica of the state obelisk in the Medal of Honor Grove in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.

— Olympia Historical Society

Memorial services planned in the area

Sunday, May 28

• Vaughn Bay Cemetery, Aisle of Honor, Memorial Day Observance, noon.

• Fir Lane Memorial Park Memorial Day Observance, 12:30 p.m., Spanaway.

• Yelm Cemetery Memorial Day Observance, 1 p.m.

• Enumclaw Veterans Memorial Park Observance, 2 p.m.

• Roy Cemetery Memorial Day Observance, 3 p.m.

Monday, May 29

• Joint Base Lewis-McChord Monday, May 29, 11 a.m. Col. Daniel S. Morgan, JBLM garrison commander, will speak and place a wreath on the marker honoring service members. If you want to attend, visitors must get a guest pass at the JBLM Visitor Center located off of exit 120 on I-5.

• Sumner Cemetery Memorial Day Observance, 10 a.m., Puyallup.

• Bethany Lutheran Cemetery Memorial Day Service, 10 a.m., Spanaway.

• Memorial Day Ceremony at the Washington State Capitol Rotunda, 10:30 a.m., Olympia.

• Joint Base Lewis-McChord Memorial Day Observance, Camp Lewis Cemetery, 11a.m.

• DuPont Memorial Observance, DuPont Plaza 12:30 p.m.

• Washington Soldiers’ Home Memorial Day Program, 2 p.m., Orting.

• Pierce County Memorial Day Observance, 2 p.m., Lakewood.

• Honoring the Fallen, Olympics West Senior Living Center, 3 p.m., Tumwater.