A Day to Remember in Tacoma

For most of us, Memorial Day marks the beginning of a season of summer fun. But don’t let the real meaning of the holiday get lost amidst the barbecues and beach sand. Memorial Day – originally­ called “Decoration Day” – unofficially began in 1865 as a way to honor fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War. In fact, because of lingering resentment over the war, many Southern states did not observe the holiday until after World War I (they opted for their own Confederate Memorial Day). Memorial Day has since became an occasion to honor fallen soldiers from all wars after WWI. You can find a listing of those from the community who have made the ultimate sacrifice below. Honor them with the traditions of this special holiday:

-Fly the flag at half-staff from dawn until noon, local time.

-Participate in a national “moment of remembrance,” which occurs at 3PM, Washington DC time.

-Place flags on the graves of war dead.

Tacoma Area Casualties of War ...
(Please send additions or corrections for the lists below for Tacoma to info@americantowns.com)



Operation Enduring Freedom
Blessing, Jay A.


Operation Desert Storm
David Q. Douthit

Vietnam War
Michael Lee Wright

Korean War
Bratback Earl Bennett
Carey Edwin A Jr
GRAHAM RONALD THOMAS JR
HARKINS FLOYD H
HELTSLEY RICHARD RAYMOND
JOHNSON NORMAN JOHN
KINGSBURY DELORAINE M
LEE KENNETH ROLAND
OGBURN RICHARD FLOYD
OYA BERT
PERONTO JAMES F
REID WALLACE JORDAN
THORNTON BRIAN BERNARD
TURNER LARRY DENIS
WILLIAMS RAYMOND CLAIR


World War II
Click here for a database of local soldiers killed in World War II