In remembrance of Armistice Day and celebration of Veterans Day, the Thurston County Veterans Services Council hosted a Veterans Day event in the Capitol Rotunda, in Olympia, Nov. 11, 2015.

Armistice Day is commemorated, every year, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month to mark the armistice (formal agreement of warring parties to stop fighting) signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany, for the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front of World War I.

The framework for United States freedoms and the continued sacrifices for the beliefs of this Nation, through the centuries, has primarily come at the cost of this Nation's dedicated servicemembers, and eventual veterans.

"For veterans, those who have fallen or still with us today, taking an oath of office to solemnly swear/affirm to support and defend the constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, is by far one of the many duties and responsibilities to fulfill their purpose.  And yet, veterans have done this assuming great risk, and not always knowing the outcomes."

That comes from the event's keynote speaker, Retired U.S. Army LTC and current District #3 Commissioner, Bud Blake, who highlighted the afternoon by speaking on his personal experiences with what veterans mean to him and the community.

"We need to show our soldiers returning from the recent wars in the Gulf that our welcome does not end at the airport terminal, with a hand shake or in a parade," said Bud.  "This generation's challenge is to continue with the effort to help those veterans who need assistance.

The Thurston County Veterans Services Council Vice-Chair, Bill Doucette, held the Master of Ceremonies duties for the tribute event.

Congressman Denny Heck was a guest speaker for the tribute, whom attended the ceremony to share a few brief words on how important veterans are, and have been, to his life and career.

"Even though it's Veterans Day and not Memorial Day, I never have far from mind, the people that gave the last full measure of devotion," Congressman Denny Heck added (borrowing from Abraham Lincoln) after the ceremony concluded.

It remains fairly difficult to live in this region and not have some form of relationship/contact with the military community.

"You can't live in the South Puget Sound and not appreciate what people have done and sacrificed," said Heck, taking a pause through the brief interview to shake the hands and ask for the names of veterans departing the ceremony.  "We've been at this for a long time for these two wars, and it brings to the front of mind  how much people have given."

The sacrifices of the veterans that serve this country, and specifically Washington state, were also highlighted from the governmental side as well.

The Washington Department of Veterans Affairs Assistant Deputy Director, Gary Condra, read Governor Jay Inslee's Proclamation for Veterans Day to all the attendees lining the stairs of the Capitol's Rotunda.

Gold Star Wives and Mothers were a huge presence, and cause for success on this Veterans Day.

The Tahoma Gold Star Wives and Gold Star Mothers were instrumental in coordinating the many details this event demanded and were a major inclusion in the day's event.

Tahoma Gold Star Wife and Chaplain, Mildred Farrow opened the ceremony by singing the "National Anthem" and closed the ceremony with a powerful performance of "America the Beautiful", and at only 87 years young.

Along with the special military guests present, there were also Gold Star Wives and Mothers, a Medal of Honor recipient, multiple veterans from all service branches, their family members, state politicians and many others.

The tribute event also featured a cannon and rifle salute, done by the American Legion Post 100 Cannoneers, and multiple performances by the Washington State American Legion band.

A reading of the names of the KIA and MIA from the Vietnam War Memorial Wall at the capitol also took place.

"So I am here to tell you that it does not stop there," said Bud Blake.  "You are now camouflaged in civilian clothes compared to the days in military uniform.  You served in the military with excellence, now it's time to serve our country and community in different light.