Veterans Day is a traditionally a time to remember all those who have served - from the private who spent just a few years on active duty to the four-star general who retired after 30 or more years of service. Held on the 11th day of the 11th month each year - in memory of the armistice of World War I in 1918 - the day is a way for the public to say ‘thank you' to those who have fought for freedom.
Several churches and schools in the local area took time this week to say ‘thank you' to those veterans with services and assemblies. On Sunday, South Sound Community Church in Lacey hosted a Veterans Day celebration prior to its regular morning service. A Color Guard from Joint Base Lewis-McChord's 296th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division led the ceremony by posting the colors. Veterans in the congregation were asked to stand and be recognized. The last man standing, who had served more than 30 years, was presented with a flag on behalf of a grateful nation by Pastor Steve Carpenter and Youth Pastor Hans Funk.
Later that morning, Oakbrook Country Club in Lakewood honored veterans with a brunch featuring the I Corps Command Color Guard and Guest Speaker Command Sgt. Major Jim Mapes, Battalion CSM for 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th SBCT, 2nd ID on JBLM. On hand for the event were about 50 members of the community, including Lakewood Mayor Doug Richardson and Steilacoom Mayor Ron Lucas.
Mapes acknowledged the veterans on hand - of which there were many - and the foundation they've built for today's armed forces. But his speech focused more on today's serving soldiers, who he said "represent the noblest strata of our society."
In an emotional tribute to America's fighting men and women, Mapes noted that those who protest America's efforts and complain and blame our country, are yet able to "sleep at night under a blanket of freedom provided by better men - men who serve."
Other events held during the week honoring veterans included assemblies at several area schools, including Graham-Kapowsin, Eatonville and Emerald Ridge high schools, Oakbrook Elementary School in Lakewood and Stahl Junior High School in Puyallup.