Photo from Arlington National Cemetery website. Credit: Andrew V. McMaster, May 2006.
– This Memorial Day story has been posted annually since May 28, 2007:
This weekend is our Memorial Day holiday when America pauses to honor those that have given their lives in service to their country. The Yelm Community Blog host appreciates and honors all of those who have served to defend, protect, and preserve our country from outside invaders.
“Memorial Day was first called Decoration Day to honor Union soldiers who died during the American Civil War. After World War I, it expanded to include those who died in any war or military action,” quoting Wikipedia.
The wars have left their mark on this area, as we are reminded of one of the first from this area to give the ultimate sacrifice in the Iraq War, Rainier’s Justin Norton, who was killed in June 2006:
– Justin Norton Scholarship Fund honoring Rainier, Washington’s fallen soldier in Iraq, June 24, 2006.
About Sgt. Norton
Donations can be mailed to:
Justin Norton Scholarship Fund
c/o Yelm Area Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 444
Yelm, Wa 98597
– Delta Airlines honors our military on their last flights home (February 13, 2013).
“A group of Delta Air Lines employees has made a commitment to honor and recognize members of the military who have made the ultimate sacrifice. A solider and his military canine who both died in action return home, their remains arriving on U. S. soil in Atlanta in this video.
“The Delta Honor Guard, which has been operating since 2005, is composed of approximately 30 men and women who volunteer their time to honor fallen troops whose remains come through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport aboard Delta flights, according to Brian McConnell, coordinator of the Delta Honor Guard.
Click here for this moving ceremony, which occurs plane-side in the rain, and all weather conditions.”
Memorial Day 2022
+ The Olympian: Memorial Day Ceremony: Hosted by the Thurston County Veterans Council, this year’s Memorial Day Ceremony will be from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Capitol Rotunda on the state Capitol Campus, 416 Sid Snyder Ave. SW, Olympia. The Olympia American Legion Band will perform.
+ KING-5 TV, Seattle: Yes, Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day – The holiday originated with tributes for soldiers who died in the Civil War.
+ AARP: How Much Do You Know About Memorial Day? Take our quiz and find out
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2 comments
First i want to Thank you for posting my photo.As a point of clarification i took that photo while paying my respects at the Tomb of the Unknown as i do every time i arrived there for business. As i approached the Tomb walking . I heard thunderous sound from behind, it was the Funeral caisson returning from the last interment that day. I walked over to the staff sergeant and showed the picture and he called over the other members of men and i shared it with them. I was told that it was the same Caisson used for President John F Kennedy’s funeral This photo hang in more the one office of my friends in DC. They liked it so much I was more than happy to share it with them. My friend Edward F. Caple ( awarded the Silver Star in the early 70’s ) and i would visit there often . Once again ty for keeping that memory going, it means much to as my friend Eddie had passed . Do a search of his name and add the phrase Silver Star and read why he received the Medal. I served 69 /72 !4th Can. RA He was a Marine and served with Company K Third Marine Division God Bless America .
Thank you so much for your comment on the Yelm Community Blog. I love your photo and have used that on the blog for 15 years.
I much appreciate your sharing the history of the photo. And I thank you for your service to the nation, Andrew.
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