Events across Kitsap County to recognize Memorial Day 2024

Several Memorial Day events are planned across Kitsap County, starting Thursday and running through Monday's national holiday that remembers military members who were killed while defending the country. Here's a list of what's going on and how to get involved.

Thursday, May 23

Bremerton: Miller-Woodlawn Funeral Home's annual Memorial Day Weekend Flag Placing Ceremony will be held on Thursday at 3 p.m. at the Miller Woodlawn Memorial Park in Bremerton. People can honor and remember the service of over 2,000 veterans who rest at the funeral home by placing the flags for the holiday weekend, according to the event page.

Saturday, May 25

Port Orchard: The 13th annual Unforgotten, Run to Tahoma Celebration of Life Ceremony will start at the Kitsap County Administration Building in Port Orchard at 10 a.m. After a brief ceremony to honor the lives and service of the fallen, unclaimed veteran remains received from the Kitsap County Medical Examiner will be escorted to their final resting place at Tahoma National Cemetery. Residents are welcome to attend the ceremony and participate in the processional, according to Kitsap County.

The ceremony is hosted by the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners, Kitsap County Medical Examiner, Kitsap County Veterans Advisory Board and Combat Veterans International and supported by the City of Port Orchard.

Monday, May 27

USS Turner Joy: A ceremony to commemorate Memorial Day will be held on the fantail of USS Turner Joy, the destroyer moored near the Bremerton ferry terminal.

The event begins at 10 a.m. and will feature the playing of the National Anthem while the local sea cadet squadron parades the colors, taps, a rifle salute and remarks from a local active-duty Marine Sergeant Major. The memorial wreath will be laid to remember those who passed away, according to the Bremerton-Olympic Peninsula Council of the Navy League, which sponsored the event.

The council’s president, Tom Zwolfer, will serve as the master of ceremonies. Coffee and donuts will be provided on board in the crew’s mess.

Ivy Green Cemetery: The American Legion Post 149 will place flags in Ivy Green Cemetery, 1401 Naval Avenue, at 7 a.m. That will be followed by a breakfast for the community and a ceremony that begins at noon.

Miller Woodlawn: The Fleet Reserve Association, Branch 29 will host a ceremony at 11 a.m. at the Miller Woodlawn Memorial Park with Mayor Greg Wheeler speaking as the honored guest.

Port Orchard: Flags will be hung on Bay Street by the VFW Post 2669, and Sunset Lane Memorial Park, 1000 Bethel Avenue, will host its annual ceremony at 11 a.m. There will also be a ceremony at 3 p.m. at the Manchester Library at 8067 E. Main Street in Manchester, followed by a BBQ at the Fred Needham VFW Post 2669 at 4:30 p.m.

Bainbridge Island: The Bainbridge Island Memorial Day observance, organized by the American Legion Colin Hyde Post 172, takes place at 11:40 a.m. on Monday at the Bainbridge High School memorial.

This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Memorial Day events in Bremerton, Port Orchard, Bainbridge Island