Memorial Day observances prosper in Kitsap County

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin Johndro | Wreaths lay at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during a Memorial Day service at Ivy Green Cemetery. Every year a service is held on Memorial Day by the American Legion to remember the fallen service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin A. Johndro/RELEASED)  

BREMERTON, WA, UNITED STATES

05.26.2014

Courtesy Story

Commander, Submarine Group Nine   

By MC2 (SW) Justin A. Johndro
Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest

BREMERTON, Wash. -- New flags were unfurled, wreaths were placed upon the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and tears were shed during a Memorial Day service at Ivy Green Cemetery, Bremerton, Washington, May 26.

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 239 held the ceremony with more than 150 civilians and service members past and present in attendance.

“The turn out today was great,” said Fritz Swyers, Post Commander VFW Post 239. “It’s a bigger turnout than we’ve had in the past years. It grows more and more every year.”

Among the guests were United States Representative Derek Kilmer, Bremerton Mayor Patty Lent, and Rear Adm. Dietrich H. Kuhlmann, commander, Submarine Group 9.

Kuhlmann spoke to those in attendance about the meaning of freedom.

"Freedom is the absence of subjection to foreign domination," Kuhlmann said. "For those we honor today, the freedoms they took an oath to defend are defined within the constitution of the United States.

“They set aside many of the day-to-day freedoms many Americans enjoy, to serve the greater good and preserve the right for future Americans to pursue freedom," he said.

Kuhlmann also saluted and honored the families of the fallen and the families of those who serve. With multiple deployments being the norm, families are being asked to give more and more.

"Freedom is anything but free for our military families and our citizens that support them. They endure long deployments and throughout that time, the fear of getting that knock on the door with that unwanted news," Kuhlmann said. "It is up to us to be worthy of their sacrifice.
"So as you leave here today and go on about your day, remember the brave souls who have sacrificed for our freedom," he said.

Each service branch’s musical theme was played following the speeches and wreaths were laid at the foot of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Farragut Brass Band and Nanaimo Pipe & Drums played, and the ceremony ended with a 21-gun salute by Peninsula Honor Guard, & Firing Squad.

• Date Taken: 05.26.2014
• Date Posted: 05.27.2014 11:54
• Story ID: 131178
• Location: BREMERTON, WA, US