‘Sincere reverence’: Departed comrades honored in Port Angeles Memorial Day ceremony

PORT ANGELES — Veterans gathered inside a flag-lined section of Mount Angeles Memorial Park cemetery Monday to pay respects to their departed comrades.

A crowd of about 100 civilians gathered around veterans circle to honor those who fought for freedom in a Memorial Day ceremony performed by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1024.

“On this day, forever consecrated to our heroic dead, we are assembled once again to express sincere reverence,” said VFW Post 1024 Cmdr. John Kent, speaking near the veterans monument at Mount Angeles Memorial Park.

“This monument represents the resting places of many departed comrades who served in all wars.”

The annual ceremony included the laying of wreaths, the playing of “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes and a rifle salute by the Marine Corps League Mt. Olympus Detachment Honor Guard.

Prior to the service, volunteers raised hundreds of American flags at the memorial park and Ocean View Cemetery across town.

“Where ever the body of a comrade lies, therein the ground is hallowed,” Kent said.

“Our presence here is in solemn commemoration of all these men, an expression of our tribute to the devotion to duty, to courage and patriotism.”

Memorial wreaths were presented by representatives of VFW Auxiliary 1024, American Legion Post 29, Korean War veterans, POW/MIAs and Daughters of the American Revolution.

VFW and VFW Auxiliary officers placed emblems and flowers on the veterans’ memorial to pay respects to their departed comrades.

“May each future generation emulate the unselfish courage of all men and women who fought for freedom,” said Richard Smelling of VFW Post 1024, a Korean War veteran.

Members of American Legion Post 29 and other local veterans groups held American flags during the half-hour ceremony.

VFW Post 1024 Chaplain Sonja Schimmele delivered a blessing at the service.

After vocalist Amanda Bacon sang “God Bless America,” Kent concluded the ceremony by saying: “Please don’t use just this day to remember our departed comrades.”

“Remember them each and every day,” Kent said.

The veterans circle on the south end of Mount Angeles Memorial Park is dedicated to all men and women who served in the U.S. armed forces.

The memorial inside the circle reads: “Think not only upon their passing but remember the glory of their spirit.”

Other Memorial Day ceremonies took place Monday around the North Olympic Peninsula.

In Clallam County, ceremonies were held at Sequim View, Jamestown, Blue Mountain and Forks cemeteries.

In Jefferson County, ceremonies were hosted at Gardiner Community Cemetery, and Fort Worden, Laurel Grove and St. Mary’s cemeteries in Port Townsend.

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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56450, or at rollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.