Photo/Mara Hill
by Mara Hill, Tulalip News
The significance of Memorial Day is much more than taking an extended vacation or having a barbecue in your back yard on a nice hot, sunny day. It is a day to honor the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who dedicated their lives to our country by paying the ultimate sacrifice. It is one of the few days that veterans are recognized, and one of the more important holidays. Speaking as a veteran, I understand the importance of this day. It is a day of remembrance, honor, and a way to express gratitude and thanks to the families of these service members.
These service members are just like any other person, aside from the fact that they joined a branch of the military in order to become something bigger than themselves. Many men and women who have served in any era that return from war and live to share their stories, come home incomplete; leaving behind a part of themself. Some return with mental health problems, post-traumatic stress disorder, night terrors, traumatic brain injuries, survivor’s remorse, shrapnel injuries, and external and internal scars.
Photo/Mara Hill
Among the several people that arrived to pay respect and memorialize fallen family members were Tulalip Tribal Chairman Mel Sheldon. Sheldon welcomed and thanked people for attending, and introduced tribal member Virginia Jones who opened up the ceremony with a prayer in Lushootseed. Retired United States Marine Gunnery Sgt. Cyrus “Cy” Hatch III, held roll call for all fallen and present service members.
To conclude the ceremony, The Tulalip Tribes Honor Guard fired a 21-gun salute, and performed “Taps” to pay respect and honor over 200 fallen Tulalip Tribal member veterans who have lost their lives.
The ceremonies were held at the Priest Point Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. and the Mission Beach Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 25 2015.
Photo/Mara Hill
Photo/Mara Hill
Photo/Mara Hill
Contact Mara Hill, mward@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov