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Washington State Patriotic Day: Celebrating patriotism and honoring the military

Washington state will once again come together as one community to honor and celebrate patriotism during the Washington State Patriotic Day (WSPD) event being held on March 5, 2022 at Pioneer Middle School in DuPont, Washington. Photo credit: Gary Lott

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"Washington State Patriotic Day is a celebration to honor all the Washington veterans and first responders for the patriotism they demonstrate on a daily basis," said Keith Warren, Major USAF (Ret) Chairman, Executive Planning Committee, Washington State Patriotic Day. "It also allows all participants and spectators to reaffirm their patriotism to our country and our flag."

Washington State Patriotic Day will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 5 at Pioneer Middle School in DuPont.  This event is open to the public and free for all attendees.

"First, we will have a Massing of the Colors style of event where 50 or more flag units from veterans' organizations, active duty and National Guard units, civic and youth groups and Junior ROTC units, who will march into Pioneer Middle School carrying their unit flag alongside the American Flag," said Warren.

Before the keynote speaker, attendees will enjoy a brief concert performed by Joint Base Lewis-McChord's America's First Corps Band's Brass Quintet. 

"Our guest speaker will be MSG Leroy Petry, a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient and Steilacoom resident, who will speak on patriotism," said Warren. "We will recognize and honor all our veterans and first responders and lastly, we will present cash awards to some of the groups that attend the event."

All Washingtonians can join in honoring this special date.

"Governor Jay Inslee will proclaim March 5, 2022, as Washington State Patriotic Day to pay homage to President George Washington, our country's foremost patriot and the namesake of our state," added Warren.

Washington State Patriotic Day marks the perfect opportunity for the entire community to show off their patriotism.

"It is an opportunity to observe the displays via a parade of the many community organizations which promote the patriotic culture of our wonderful nation," said Dick Muri, Steilacoom mayor and Past Commander for the Puget Sound Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW). "A few short speeches, some wonderful military music, and for students, an opportunity to see and hear about our nation."

This event isn't just for the older range of veterans, or just for active-duty service members, Washington State Patriotic Day (WSPD) is for the current generation of youth to celebrate as well.

"For many students, this is something that will be unique to their learning," added Mayor Muri. "It gives our young military personnel the knowledge that there is this great community who sincerely appreciates everything they do for our community. It will also hopefully inspire our youth to someday consider serving our nation in the armed forces."

The entire WSPD committee is hoping that the change of venue continues the ever-growing attendance and support.

"We are determined to show our veterans and first responders how much we appreciate their dedication, professionalism and patriotism which you can really only do in person," said Warren. "We decided that even though we still have to comply with all the state mandated COVID 19 protocols by wearing masks and social distancing our appreciation can best be demonstrated in person."

Come out and show local veterans and first responders how much you appreciate their service, and maybe even win a cash prize doing it.

To learn more about this event, please visit: WSPD - Registration - Military Order of World Wars - Puget Sound Chapter (mowwpugetsoundchapter.org).

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