PORT ANGELES — The Captain Joseph House Foundation will mark Memorial Day with a ceremony as it has for the past seven years — but guests will watch it only on Facebook.
The 8th Annual Captain Joseph House Memorial Service is virtual this year. It was filmed on Friday, edited and will be placed on the Captain Joseph House Foundation’s Facebook page at 2 p.m. today.
“Regardless of COVID-19, we still want to do our best for our fallen,” said Betsy Schultz, founder of the Caption Joseph House, who provides the Memorial Day address.
Observances throughout the North Olympic Peninsula have been canceled or replaced with the placement of flags because of precautions against the spread of COVID-19.
Joe Borden, vice president of the Captain Joseph House Foundation, speaks during the taping of a virtual Memorial Day presention on Friday. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
The Captain Joseph House ceremony was filmed in four sections to permit social distancing by participants, who wore face masks while awaiting their turn in the ceremony. Gloves and sanitizer were available as well as access to hand-washing facilities, Schultz said.
In the virtual ceremony, American Legion Riders create a flag line; Rick McKenzie plays the bagpipes; Joe Borden, vice president of the Captain Joseph House Foundation, speaks; and Port Angeles High School choir director Jolene Dalton Gailey and retired band director Doug Gailey perform “God Bless America.”
A rifle salute, the playing of the taps bugle call and Retiring the Colors conclude the ceremony, filmed by David Gaddis.
The Captain Joseph House at 1108 S. Oak St., in Port Angeles will, once it is completed, provide a service unique in the nation. It will offer a respite for Gold Star families, those who have lost a loved one to combat.
Schultz founded the nonprofit Captain Joseph House Foundation in memory of her only child, Joseph Schultz, who was killed in action in Afghanistan. She donated her bed and breakfast to the organization, and began converting it into a respite home for Gold Star families.
Port Angeles High School choir director Jolene Dalton Gailey and retired band director Doug Gailey perform ” God Bless America” during Friday’s video recording of the Captain Joseph House Memorial Day ceremony in Port Angeles. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Also available through the Captain Joseph House are several podcasts.
• Thomas Angel of Fire for Effect Podcast, donated the work to produce three podcasts this weekend in support of fundraising efforts for Captain Joseph House. They can be found on all platforms, such as Apple podcast, Spotify and google, as well as on his website, www.thekensingtoncorner.com.
• The Southern Rock Band performs a live concert for Captain Joseph House. It can be found at www.youtube.com/blackbirdanthem.
Shultz talked with Beth Ruyak, “Insight” talk show in Sacramento, Calif., on Wednesday. To see it, go to www.captadio.org.
Port Townsend
A wreath-laying ceremony is planned for Memorial Day at 10 a.m. Monday at the Fort Worden Military Ceremony.
The American Legion Marvin G. Shields Memorial Post 26 and The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge 317 are conducting the ceremony.
It will include the wreath laying, rifle salute and the playing of taps.
Social Distancing will be observed and masks or other protective gear are strongly encouraged.
Sequim
Instead of officiating at ceremonies, the American Legion in Sequim will place flags on graves at Sequim View and Dungeness cemeteries though Monday afternoon.
Forks
VFW Post 9106 will conduct a short ceremony to honor the fallen at 11 a.m. at the Forks Cemetery, at 1101-1149 Calawah Way.
The public is welcome.
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Executive Editor Leah Leach can be reached at 360-417-3530 or at lleach@peninsuladailynews.com.
