The Pioneer, Vol. 51 Issue 8

Features
REMEMBERING THOSE
WHO SERVED LOCALLY
State memorials dedicated in memory of the fallen
By CALVIN BEEKMAN
Contributing Writer
Memorial Day is a day
set aside to honor
the ultimate
sacrifices of
the brave
men and
women
who
fought
for the
freedom of
the our country.
The military is a large presence in the community,
with four bases in a 80-mile radius. Three local memorials
honor the branches of the military that have had the
biggest impact in the area.
WAR MEMORIAL PARK,
TACOMA
Located near the Tacoma Narrows
Bridge just off 6th Avenue, it is a small
unassuming park nestled in a quiet
community. The park features a large bell
salvaged from the first USS Tacoma when
it was decommissioned after its service
during World War I. The park includes a
path and bridge that leads to monuments
dedicated to different wars, veterans and
prisoners of wars, including one large one
dedicated to the fallen men and women
of WWI and WWII. Placards line the
walkway leading to the monuments,
detailing the service of the USS Tacoma
and history. — Traveling the Pacific
Northwest blog
the course of the river was changed, the park was a frequent
picnic spot for the locals. After the river’s direction was changed,
it left a natural pocket for the park.
At the end of WWII, an idea was presented to the city of
Puyallup to build a memorial for the service men who gave their
lives. A community fundraising effort enabled the city to expand
part of the park in 1951 to create a memorial for the Puyallup
servicemen who gave their lives in WWII. — City of Puyallup
WINGED VICTORY MEMORIAL,
OLYMPIA
The monument was designed shortly after the main capital and
surrounding buildings were finished in 1927. It honors those who
served in WWI. The sculpture has at its center the Greek goddess
Nike, or victory. She is accompanied by representatives of the
armed forces that existed at that time, that of the Navy, Army and
Marines. A Red Cross nurse also stands with them, signifying the
care the Red Cross gave in taking care of the wounded.
— Olympia Historical Society
GRAYLAND AND MEMORIAL
COMMUNITY PARK,
PUYALLUP
Built on a depression formed from at
the old north riverbed of the Puyallup
River, the park has always been a key
part of the Puyallup community. Before
The Tacoma War Memorial honors
Pierce County’s fallen soldiers.
Marji Harris/Staff Photo
10 / piercepioneernews.com
May 7, 2018 / Vol. 51, Issue 8