Veterans Day Ceremony Held at Tahoma National Cemetery

A large crowd estimated to number in excess of one thousand attended the annual Veterans Day Ceremony conducted at Tahoma National Cemetery on Monday, November 11. The 23^rd commemorative service held at Washington State’s only national cemetery marked the 100^th anniversary of Veterans Day, which originated as Armistice Day, with the first observance taking place one year to the day after the ending of the First World War. The program at Tahoma National Cemetery included music, invited speakers, military protocols and salutes, updates on national cemetery initiatives and operations, and tributes to the veterans interred in the sacred ground known as “Where Heroes Rest.” The Assistant Director of Tahoma National Cemetery, Jennifer Dehorty, emphasized in her remarks the imperative importance of documenting, preserving, and sharing the life stories of our men and women in uniform. “It is said that all have two deaths,” she explained. “The first when the last breath is taken. The second, when the name is no longer spoken. It is the second that we want to ensure never occurs.” Through the dedicated and ongoing outreach of our many communities and organizations and committed citizenry, the proud legacy of the military veterans at rest in Tahoma National Cemetery is certain to remain for all future generations to know and honor.