Edmonds Remembers Fallen Vets
Event included native flute and drum, bagpipers, and wreath laying
Display honors the country’s fallen war heroes.
Director of the Black Box Theatre, Jennifer Matthews, and Director of The Veterans Resource Center, Matthew Durkee helped lead the ceremony. The event paid a beautiful tribute to all fallen veterans who gave their lives in the line of duty. The tribute included a slideshow of veterans who have connections with Edmonds College.
Matthews’ father was an Army veteran and was paid tribute during the ceremony. “This ceremony is always a labor of love for me, born from the respect for our service men and women my father instilled in me as a child” Matthews expressed.
Durkee, who is a U.S. Army Veteran, stated, “It is very humbling that I stand on the same ground as the soldiers of greatness. Memorial Day is a very humbling experience, because it is a time to reflect.”
Another highlight of the ceremony was the keynote speech delivered by Trustee Wally Webster II, “Memorial Day is a day of remembrance of those who have died in service, in the line of duty for our country. A day remembering the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we enjoy today.” Webster provided aid to soldiers who were casualties in the Vietnam War. He recalled his time in the Air Force overseas; “these warriors made me proud to jump to my feet, remove my cap, place my hand over my heart, and recite The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag proudly and loudly.”
Though she could not make it to the event, Senator Patty Murray left a statement on her behalf, where she thanked our veterans.
Perhaps one of the more solemn moments of the ceremony was Paul Chiyokten, Native Flute and Drummer, who gave a powerful and emotional performance honoring the warriors of our country with songs from the Salish tribe.
The second part of the ceremony was led outdoors by Bagpiper Alexa Boss of the Cascadia Pipe Band to the garden area where the wreath was laid to honor our fallen at the Boots to Books monument. The event captured the spirit and remembrance of our fallen heroes. The profound remarks from all, combined with the ceremonial music, left attendees with the feeling of gratitude for all who served our country.
I was born and raised in Seattle, the Pacific Northwest has always been my home. I graduated from Roosevelt High School in 2019, and now I am currently seeking my associates here. I look to transfer to the University of Washington and major in Communication next year. I am a huge Seattle sports, and Star Wars fan. Aside from working and studying on campus, you can find me on a golf course, or catching a Seattle sporting event. I also help P.A. announce the Triton Baseball games here at Edmonds College. What I hope to bring to the newsroom is an open and honest perspective from the wonderful campus Edmonds offers. I am excited to work with my fellow editors, and help give this campus a voice.
My responsibilities as a photojournalist include researching and covering news events, creating visual stories, and working closely with editors to produce high-quality content for both online and print publications. I am comfortable working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, and I thrive under pressure. I am a dedicated and driven professional who is committed to producing the best possible work and making a meaningful contribution to the field of photojournalism.
