Veterans Day 2015

Veterans Day 2015

vietnam  

Above: Medal of Honor recipient Command Chief Master Sergeant Francis Huffman, of Littlerock, Washington, acknowledges a standing ovation during Veterans Day ceremonies today in Olympia. After the ceremony, Huffman said he received the medal for providing Air Force support actions in Vietnam in 1971 while surrounded by the enemy, an action that saved many lives.  

By Janine Gates

www.janineslittlehollywood.blogspot.com

Veterans Day ceremonies were held throughout the South Sound on Wednesday and the Thurston County Veterans Council held its event in the Capitol Rotunda on the state Capitol Campus. 

The Washington State American Legion Band, VFW Auxiliary Post 318, Tahoma Gold Star Wives, and other veteran organizations participated.

Thurston County Commissioner Bud Blake, a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, gave the keynote speech.

In his remarks, Blake said, “….Today in the global war on terror…we continue to welcome home veterans and thank them for their service. I personally experienced this gratitude when I, along with approximately 400 other service members, came home for R&R in February 2008. We departed the airplane at Dallas, Texas, and every single person waiting at the gate to board their airplane stood on their feet and applauded their veterans as we strolled by….until the last service member passed by.  When I saw this I knew, immediately, we had learned from the mistakes of the Korea and Vietnam conflicts.

“So I am here to tell you that it does not stop there….We need to show our soldiers returning from the recent wars…that our welcome does not end at the airport terminal, with a hand shake or in a parade. This generation’s challenge is to continue with the effort to help those veterans who need assistance. We must fight on the home front by preventing suicide and homelessness. We must assist veterans in receiving additional medical care, education, and employment opportunities for themselves and their families…..” said Blake.

Above: At the Washington State Vietnam War Memorial on the Capitol Campus today, Ashar Entrekin, 17, a senior at Capital High School, plays Taps at the conclusion of the reading of the names for those killed and missing in action during the war. The event was sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Entrekin said he’s been playing his trumpet for seven years.

For more information about Thurston County Veterans Services, go to www.co.thurston.wa.us/health/ssveteran/index.html.

86th Annual Pet Parade

86th Annual Pet Parade

tradition  

Above: Yelm Prairie Elementary students won the Best Group award today at the Pet Parade in downtown Olympia.

By Janine Unsoeld

www.janineslittlehollywood.blogspot.com

The weather cooperated for the 86th annual Pet Parade, which got underway this morning with music performed by the American Legion Band in downtown Olympia. 

Costumed chickens, dogs, cats, turtles, and horses walked, were carried, or rode on decorated floats related to this year’s theme of “Under the Sea.” 

It’s all about having fun, appreciating our pets, and receiving a little bit of local recognition that can last a long time in a person’s memory. A woman sitting near me on the corner of 5^th Avenue and Washington Street with her grandson recalled that she won the Pet Parade’s award for having the Smartest Cat in 1961.

After the parade, everyone went to Sylvester Park for free ice cream, pet-related goodie bags and awards in special categories. The Best Group entry was won by Yelm Prairie Elementary schoolchildren. They received a $250 gift certificate from Mud Bay Granary.

Angie Patton said she and her family, including her daughter, Ashleyn Colten, have been participating in the Pet Parade for over 20 years.

Today, they won the Judges Choice award in the Wheels Category with their float called Finding Nemo. Their toy poodles, Lexi, 3, and Sophie, 5, were Dori and Nemo, respectively, while Lola, their three year old mastiff, was Bruce the Shark. Colten said they worked about two weeks on their float and were up until 3 a.m. this morning finishing it.

As for Lexi and Sophie, the special dye used to color their fur will last for about two or three months, so if you see them out and about in the community, be sure to congratulate them on their award!

The annual event is sponsored by The Olympian newspaper, the Olympia Downtown Association, and many local businesses.

Above: Ashleyn Colten, left, with Lola, a mastiff, and Colten's mother, Angie Patton, with toy poodles Lexi and Sophie in Sylvester Park after the Pet Parade today.