Memorial Day reminds Americans of the death of their fellow countrymen and women during wartime.

The year, the day will be celebrated on May 31.

"Memorial Day is very important to those of us who served in combat and may have lost a friend," wrote veteran Larry Heires in an e-mail.

Officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by Gen. John Logan, commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, the day was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.

In remembrance, the attending of a commemorative ceremony is one of the most visible and enduring ways of demonstrating a remembrance for those who have given their all.

Placing flags at gravesites, marching in parades, sponsoring patriotic programs, dedicating memorials and wearing red poppies are all part of the day.

Extending and maintaining this chain of remembrance, the Puyallup Valley Veterans of Foreign War Post 2224, American Legion Post 67 and the City of Puyallup have come together to host a Memorial Day Observance.

Adding a great deal of support to the event is the Support America's Armed Forces organization and the Fleet Reserve Unit.

The event is scheduled for 1 p.m. at the Pavilion in Pioneer Park in Puyallup.  The guest speaker is Joint Base Lewis-McChord Col. Lois Beard, commander of the 593rd Sustainment Brigade.

Among some of the organizations working to make the event a success is the Puyallup Police Department, the Rogers High School Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC), the Puyallup Fire Department, the Clan Gordon Bagpipers and local Boy Scout troops.

The Pavilion is located at 333 South Meridian, Puyallup.

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