PORT ANGELES — About 50 people gathered to honor Tyler Henry Braithwaite, who died in March at age 17 in a one-truck wreck.
The gathering, at his grandfather Bill Hughes’ home, raised a flag in his honor.
“The flag we raised today and will fly here is one that we got through Norm Dicks,” said Tyler’s mother, Tammy Sullenger. “It has flown over the Capitol in Washington, so with my dad’s background in the Marines it really means a lot to him.”
The flag flew on July 14 in Braithwaite’s honor, Sullenger said.
The flagpole was dedicated to Tyler using some of his own words from a poem he wrote in 2009: “Being yourself is the best gift in life.”
“This is a very fitting celebration,” Sullenger said. “My dad wanted to memorialize Tyler in a way that would be there for the rest of his life.”
Braithwaite, who was 6 feet 3 inches and 280 pounds, was known for his smile and friendliness.
“He always protected his family — and at his size, you know that kid could have taken on an army if he wanted,” Sullenger said. “But he was so much of a gentle giant. Everyone will always remember him for his smile.”
Scattered on tables were dozens of photos of Braithwaite through the years, and every single one of them featured a grinning face.
American Legion Riders dedicated the flagpole as part of a private ceremony in Braithwaite’s honor.
“They have been so supportive,” Sullenger said.
Sullenger wrote a statement that was read at the ceremony: “Many here have shared that no matter where Tyler was or what he was doing, he was always smiling.
“His personality, outgoing nature and contagious smile will be missed by all.
“Tyler will be remembered as the happy-go-lucky person he was, a friend to so many people who are better off for having known him. The memories he has left for all of us will live on forever.”
Her statement was read by Bobby Cannon of the American Legion Riders.
Sullenger said that in addition to honoring her son, she wanted to emphasize how he would go on.
“He will continue to impact all of those he left behind,” she said. “He still lives in all of us.”
Braithwaite, 17, was killed March 28 on a muddy U.S. Forest Service road south of Sequim while driving the Ford F-250 pickup his dad had recently bought for him.
Braithwaite was the son of Sullenger, administrative assistant to the Clallam County commissioners, and Henry Braithwaite of Forks.
The 17-year-old enjoyed riding motorcycles with his father as well as spending time outdoors hunting, fishing, camping and walking on the beaches.
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Reporter Paige Dickerson can be reached at 360-417-3535 or at paige.dickerson@peninsuladailynews.com.
