A Memorial Day Message:
Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service. It is a day set aside to offer our prayers, our thoughts, and our gratitude to the fallen, to those who gave the last full measure of devotion.
The men and women in our armed services have always answered the call. World War I. World War II. Korea. Vietnam. The Persian Gulf. Afghanistan. Iraq.
They left home knowing they might not return. And many did not return. Just a few days ago, I participated in a memorial service for Sergeant Jeffrey R. Shaver, a soldier from the Washington National Guard’s 81st Armored Brigade who died in Iraq. Just a few months before, Sergeant Shaver was among the men and women we saluted at a deployment departure ceremony held in the Tacoma Dome for the soldiers and their families.
Over the years, there have been many names for these brave men and women who gave everything. They were “GI,” “Yank,” “Flyboy,” “Leatherneck,” “Swabby,” “WACs,” “WAVES” and just plain “Joe.”
But here at home, we have known them by other names. Son, Daughter, Brother, Sister, Husband, Wife, Dad, Mom, Sweetheart, Friend.
At the World War II memorial on the Capitol campus near my office, there are bricks lining the walkways. On those bricks are etched the names of those who died or served. One of those bricks reads: “William C. Westlake. USMC. K I A. Age 15. Iwo Jima.”
A boy who should have been studying geometry, or learning to drive. His sacrifice is steeped in the cruelty of war. And it shames those who take our freedom for granted.
Let us never forget the many we have lost. They were from all ethnic backgrounds and religions. Latinos, African-Americans, Asian-Pacific-Americans, and Native Americans; Christians, Jews, Buddhists and Muslims. People who have faced discrimination at home but have answered the call of duty to protect our freedom.
They went because they believed in the goodness and destiny of our nation. Many died for that belief.
My own father, Jimmy Locke, was a staff sergeant in World War II. He was among the many who went ashore on the beaches of Normandy. Growing up, I was taught that freedom sometimes comes at a high price. I am thankful for those lessons.
On Memorial Day, we will honor those who paid the ultimate price. With love of country in their hearts and courage in their souls, they entered the valley of death. For all of us. Let us never forget their sacrifice.
Sincerely,
Gary Locke
Governor
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