PORT ANGELES — About 100 people gathered at the Port Angeles Veterans Center to honor the fallen men and women of the military at the Monday Memorial Day ceremony.
Although fewer than usual people attended, those that did were determined to remember the real reason for the holiday, Karen Key, who organized the event, said from the podium.
“We had our speakers cancel, but I thought I would speak on why we hold this day,” she said.
“It isn’t for picnics and barbecues — it is to remember those who died fighting for our country.”
Key’s daughter Jennifer Tabunut read a short story recounting how much she respected her grandfather and her great-uncle for their service during World War II.
“I come to these ceremonies every year — and I will until the day I die,” she said after the ceremony.
During the ceremony, Key spoke of honoring not only those who had fallen, but all the veterans who had served in times of war.
Throughout the North Olympic Peninsula crowds gathered for short ceremonies, 21-gun salutes and remembrances of those who died.
In an impromptu speech, Ed Hinke, now of Port Angeles. said he was proud to be part of the group even though he couldn’t legally join the American Legion, who organizes the ceremony annually.
Hinke said he served in the British Armed Forces.
“When I think back to the war [World War II] I was 23 years old,” he said. “We were just a bunch of dumb, young kids who believed in what we were fighting for.”
He said that now living in Port Angeles, he is proud to talk to his fellow veterans. “I am part of you, even if I’m not officially part of you,” he said.
“We are part of a dying breed.”
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Reporter Paige Dickerson can be reached at 360-417-3535 or at paige.dickerson@peninsuladailynews.com.
