Memorial Day proclamation issued by City of Lacey

Honoring the fallen and standing with military families, the Lacey City Council proclaimed May 25 as Memorial Day in the city. 

The proclamation acknowledged the losses borne by military families and pledged the city's recognition of organizations working to preserve the memory of individuals who served. It called on community members to pause in remembrance and reflect on the freedoms won through fallen service members. 

The council issued the recognition at a meeting on Tuesday, May 19. 

Executive Director of the Puget Sound Chapter of Blue Star Families Megan Barnes made a public address following the proclamation. She explained that a Blue Star Family is any household with an active duty service member, and that the nonprofit also supports veterans, reservists and caregivers. 

Barnes laid out what the chapter offers, from outdoor excursions to regular get-togethers at locations throughout the region. 

"Blue Star Families is just about providing some social programming, so we connect families to the outdoors through a partnership with National Parks," Barnes said.

“We have monthly coffee connects at Starbucks throughout the South Sound, and even a little bit up north. I know, because we really want to reach all of our installations, and also our National Guard Reserve is down at Camp Murray." 

She also explained the chapter's mission is to give military and veteran families a place to belong, both within their own community and with civilians around them. Barnes noted the transient nature of military life often leaves those families feeling disconnected from the communities they move into. 

The Puget Sound Chapter of Blue Star Families was formalized in August 2023. The national organization was founded in 2009. 

Blue Star Families also runs Blue Star Neighborhood, regarded as the nation's largest digital community for military-connected families. 

The platform allows members from around the world to access chapter updates, sign up for events and connect with one another online. Barnes credited the Lacey Veterans Services Hub (LVSH) for linking the organization with the city. 

Community preparations were  done ahead of the holiday.

On May 2, the LVSH partnered with the Sergeants Major Association of the Northwest for a cleanup at the Gold Star Family Memorial Monument, Lacey Civic Plaza, 521 Sleater-Kinney Road SE. 

The effort, the hub said, was to preserve the space as a place of reflection, respect and remembrance ahead of Memorial Day. The LVSH also announced it will close on May 25 in observance of the holiday. 

"As we honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, we remember their service and dedication," said the organization in a social media post. "We are grateful for the partnership and look forward to continuing to serve together."