PORT TOWNSEND — Monday’s Memorial Day commemoration featured two people who represented youth and age with respect to military service.
Marjorie Carpentier, 91, a World War II veteran who was one of the few women in active service at the time, made an appearance and tossed a bouquet over the city dock in honor of the WACs.
Alec Wiles, 18, the latest in a military family who has just enlisted in the Navy, played the “echo” bugle during “Taps,” something he has done since he was 13.
In between, about 200 veterans, family members and supporters of the military paid their respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
“We have the obligation to impress upon young people that we need to keep our country great in the world’s sphere and defend it when necessary,” said Charlie Koprino during the dockside ceremony that included a gunshot salute and several speeches in appreciation of the fallen.
“This is to honor the men and women in the military who gave their all, fought the good fight, so everyone else could enjoy their freedom,” said American Legion Post Commander Joe Carey.
The ceremony was held outside for several years but was moved into the legion hall during inclement weather, a practice that has continued.
This gave the Port Townsend Summer Band, which is made up of local volunteer musicians, a large stage where they performed 30 minutes of anthems for all branches of the military.
The hall was lacking a public address system so Carey and all the speakers were forced to project. It was not an obstacle, since the crowds offered the speakers a respectful silence.
Jefferson County Public Utility District Commissioner Ken McMillen, who served in both Korea and Vietnam, was the event’s featured speaker.
McMillen gave a history of Memorial Day, from the time when it was known as Remembrance Day, and supplied his own recollections.
“I always remember our ancestors and our friends who made sacrifices,” McMillen said. “I will always remember my five squad members who lost their lives in Vietnam and how their families continue to suffer for the past 40 years.”
Prior the ceremony American Legion representatives laid wreaths at three local cemeteries, with Selena Espinoza singing “The Star Spangled Banner” at each stop.
Following the ceremony, the Legion hosted a potluck lunch, where veterans and their families shared reminisces about their time in battle.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
