University of Washington Tacoma will honor men and women in service at the university’s first-ever Memorial Day commemoration ceremony Thurs., May 22, at Noon.
Fort Lewis Garrison Commander Col. Cynthia Murphy will deliver a keynote address and a U.S. Marine Corps color guard will present colors at the free event, which will be held at the Longshoremen’s Hall at 1710 Market St. All active military, reservists and veterans in the UW Tacoma community will be recognized.
“Many of us look forward to the Memorial Day holiday weekend, but we must also acknowledge the reason for the observance of this holiday, honoring those who have died in service to the nation,” said Sharon Parker, UW Tacoma’s assistant chancellor for equity and diversity. “Many UW Tacoma students, staff and faculty currently serve in the military or have family or friends in service, and I hope that recognizing them on Memorial Day will become a longstanding tradition at UW Tacoma.”
Murphy, the keynote speaker, has been chief of operations at Fort Lewis and served in leadership roles at other Army bases in Germany, Thailand and the U.S. Her decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and the Joint Service Achievement Medal.
Representatives from several branches of the military and local veterans’ groups will be present. Personnel and veterans are encouraged to wear uniforms to the event.
“We want to send a message of respect,” said Ray Shepherd, Associated Students of UW Tacoma vice president and a veteran of the Marine Corps 2nd Force Reconnaissance. “There are many veterans and active-duty military personnel on our campus and in the surrounding community, and it’s very important that we use this day to remember those who have fallen.”