Sunday, May 26-Monday-May 27: Memorial Day events

Western Washington

By Northwest Military News Team on May 25, 2013

Every year, Memorial Day commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in the military service. It was first enacted to honor Union soldiers of the Civil War — it is celebrated near the day of reunification after the civil war — and it was expanded after World War I to include American casualties of any war or military action. In addition to a national moment of remembrance - which will be observed Monday at 3 p.m. - there are various events going on across western Washington.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord will honor the memory of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of the United States with a Memorial Day ceremony Monday, May 27, at 11:30 a.m. at the base cemetery.

Maj. Gen. Stephen R. Lanza, commanding general, 7th Infantry Division will be the guest speaker. He will place a wreath on the post's marker honoring the soldiers, airmen, civilians, men, and women who have served and made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of the United States of America. The I Corps Band will provide the music. A salute battery will fire a 21-gun salute to honor fallen comrades, followed by the playing of Taps.

In addition, JBLM Soldiers and Airmen will attend and support Memorial Day observances in the region with guest speakers, firing details, color guards, I Corps Command Honor Guard and the I Corps Band, including the following Memorial Day weekend events:

Sunday, May 26

PLUS

Monday, May 27

PLUS