Tag Archive: Chris Edwards

Veterans Day at the Plaza 

Veterans Day at the Plaza
Piper Kyle Gaul

More than 75 veterans, their families and community members filled Edmonds Veterans Plaza Friday morning to honor and give thanks to those who have served in the military and to the military families who support them and sacrifice with them. 

After welcoming remarks from Carl Kurfess, Commander of VFW Post 8870 and the invocation by Post Chaplain Dan Doyle, Edmonds Mayor Mike Nelson delivered introductory remarks. 

“You carry the weight many cannot bear,” he began, addressing veterans and their families. “It is a constant reminder that what we have today came with a price that includes not only serving in far-flung locations, often in harm’s way, but the days and nights away from family, missing holidays, children’s’ birthdays and more.” 

Concluding with a quotation from Gen. Douglas MacArthur on the meaning of the words duty, honor and country, Nelson stressed that these are not just words that are said, but for veterans it is the words they live. 

Keynote speaker Michael Reagan, founder of the Fallen Heroes Project, then spoke of the things that tie veterans together. 

“All veterans have one thing in common,” he began, “– memories. Each of us who have served walks a different path. Some were wonderful, allowing us to experience different cultures and people. Others were not pretty or nice, and some of these left scars we don’t like to talk about. 

“If you’re not telling your stories and you need to, call me,” he concluded. “I don’t celebrate Veterans Day one day a year — it’s every day for me. When someone dies for me, it’s the greatest gift anyone can give me.” 

The second keynote speaker was Mike Schindler, founder and CEO of Operation Military Family

“I had a prepared speech today, but I’m not going to give it,” he began. “Instead, I want to tell you about a message I received this morning from my daughter, telling me how proud she is of me and my service to our country. It really choked me up. For me, this was a great reminder that because of all who have served and the sacrifices they have made, my daughter is today able to live her passion and pursue a career in medicine. 

“I served not for political reasons,” he concluded, “but because I love this country. I don’t believe God put us here to be small — we are here for a reason. Now go out there and do something amazing!” 

Photos & portions of the article courtesy Larry Vogel, MyEdmondsNews.com 

A stirring Program at November Post Meeting

Teacher of The Year, Nancy Thompson of Serene Lake Elementary in MukilteoThe November meeting of Post 8870, taking place the day before Thanksgiving was relatively lightly attended, no doubt due to the necessity of some members to be at home with family making preparations for the holiday. Still, some 24 stalwart members attended and we were treated to a two-part program that was memorable.

First, our past Teacher of The Year, Nancy Thompson of Serene Lake Elementary in Mukilteo, joined us to perform her new musical composition of the “In Flanders” Fields poe. A beautiful new piece of music, both well composed and superbly performed. We sincerely hope that Nancy is able to have her composition published and made widely available.

Post Member Chris Edwards, who brought two of his fellow National Guard troopsPart two of our program was courtesy of Post Member Chris Edwards, who brought two of his fellow National Guard troops to give a demonstration on the proper steps involved in folding the flag as we do it at burial services, as well as some explanation of the symbolism involved in each of those steps.

 

 

Edmonds Cemetery Memorial Day Observance – 2016

A large crowd gathered at the Edmonds Cemetery to honor all of our fallen men and women on a beautiful sunny “Edmonds Kind of Day”! Particularly honored on this occasion was Edmonds native Frank Freese, KIA in France in WWI, in the battle of Meuse Argonne, where he is buried. Edmonds’ American Legion Post 66 is named in his honor.

Post 8870 member First Sergeant Chris Edwards led a guard of honor from the Washington National Guard, who provided a rifle salute. Taps was played by Edwards.

Edmonds Cemetery Memorial Day Observance - 2016

VFW Post 8870 color guard

Edmonds Cemetery Memorial Day Observance - 2016

VFW Essay Winner Olivia Olsen

Edmonds Cemetery Memorial Day Observance - 2016

Cdr Jim Blossey and Les Abel raised the colors.

Edmonds Cemetery Memorial Day Observance - 2016

WWIi Vets Norm Goldstein, (L) and Amos Chapman Read the names & and rang the bell for the fallen

 

Veterans Day

On November 11th at 11AM, we will have our first Veterans Day ceremony at our new Veterans Plaza at 5th and Bell. Depending on the weather (although it never rains in November in Edmonds), we may have to put up some shelters for the speakers and honored guests. In addition, if Memorial Day at the cemetery is any indication, we will also have to put up chairs for our elderly citizens to use. Therefore, we will have a work party detail at 0930 to get things organized. Since this is our first attempt at this, the more hands we get to help, the quicker we can adjourn to the coffee shop before returning at 11AM. The agenda is still somewhat fluid, but Commander Jim Blossey will MC the event, Mayor Dave Earling will say a few words, and Mike Reagan, Post member and founder of the Fallen Heroes Portrait Foundation will be the keynote speaker. Our own Chris Edwards will play Taps to close the ceremony. Following the ceremony, we will need some hands to help us pack up everything. At that time, we will adjourn to the Edmonds Cemetery where there will be a tour of the notable veterans interred there. Hopefully, we can have a major showing of our VFW members so please wear your covers to the ceremony. This is our day at our Park so please make an effort to be there.