Valley Veterans and patriotic residents of all ages gathered last Monday, May 28, at cemeteries and the Snoqualmie Valley Veteran’s Memorial, to honor local men and women who died in military service.

The group, which included American Legion Post 79 and the Snoqualmie Valley Veterans Honor Guard, honored departed comrades at the cemeteries in Preston, Fall City and North Bend and finally at the Snoqualmie Valley Veterans Memorial.

As part of the remembrances, veterans honored the four soldiers from Joint Base Lewis-McChord who were killed in May, including 28-year-old Sgt. Michael J. Knapp and 23-year-old Sgt. Jabraun S. Knox, who were killed by enemy rocket fire in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. Lt. Travis Morgado, 25, died when insurgents attacked his patrol with a roadside bomb in southern Afghanistan. Pfc. Cale C. Miller, 23, died in Maiwand, Afghanistan, after enemies attacked his unit with an improvised bomb.

The American flag was flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon, then raised to the top of the staff until sunset, honoring those who made the greatest sacrifice for their country.

Photos courtesy of Art Farash