Messages of gratitude on Memorial Day

While most cemeteries around the Puget Sound region have canceled their annual events to commemorate Memorial Day, messages of gratitude and appreciation are stronger than ever.

Cemeteries, many of which have erected beautiful flower arrangements and flag displays, remain open to visitors on Memorial Day. Many cemeteries have also planned virtual events.

Washingtonians, from appreciative residents to athletes to politicians, have posted pictures of their tributes and messages of gratitude across social media.

Chap. Don Brewer, State Chaplain shares a message:

Today, we honor the men and women who gave everything for something greater than themselves. Our nation is forever in their debt.

May we honor their sacrifices by living the values they fought to defend – and in service of one another. Happy Memorial Day.

— Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) May 25, 2020

On #MemorialDay we honor and remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in serving our country. Thank you! pic.twitter.com/pFSI7yLVSD

— Seattle Fire Dept. (@SeattleFire) May 25, 2020

Memorial Day is a time to thank all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service of our country. My parents are laid to rest at Tahoma National Cemetery alongside other veterans and their families.

— Mayor Jenny Durkan (@MayorJenny) May 25, 2020

We remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. #MemorialDay pic.twitter.com/GPyOxTOjxt

— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) May 25, 2020

For those who made the ultimate sacrifice, we thank you. 🇺🇸 #MemorialDay pic.twitter.com/z1ElzhN0kU

— CenturyLink Field (@CenturyLink_Fld) May 25, 2020

Our deepest gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice. We remember. #familyservingfamily pic.twitter.com/WcoGzpTeIJ

— Eastside Fire & Rescue (@EastsideFire) May 25, 2020

Today and always, we remember and honor those who have given their lives to protect ours. 🇺🇸

Thank you. #MemorialDay pic.twitter.com/V8XtxfuO5F

— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) May 25, 2020

This Memorial Day we honor and remember those men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. We will never forget. #MemorialDay2020 pic.twitter.com/uXG4qbZ6J8

— Tacoma Police Department (@TacomaPD) May 25, 2020

Today we remember all those who have lost their lives in service to our country. We can’t offer enough gratitude for the sacrifices made by our fallen heroes and their families. #MemorialDay2020 #SomeGaveAll pic.twitter.com/T68SvkNaC1

— RedmondWaPD (@RedmondWaPD) May 25, 2020

Today we honor the brave men and women who gave everything for our country. In lieu of a ceremony this year, we have created a tribute to our veterans. Watch the virtual ceremony here: https://t.co/9FlcIFFQrJ #RentonRemembers #LetsGoRTN pic.twitter.com/wrjCXwQkGI

— City of Renton (@CityofRenton) May 25, 2020

We pause today in reflection, remembrance and appreciation of all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
We are grateful.#MemorialDay2020 pic.twitter.com/ZVNiXhiFlO

— Centralia Fire/EMS (@RFA_PIO) May 25, 2020

"Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

Respect and remember. pic.twitter.com/kFkeEG6tkj

— Pierce Co Sheriff (@PierceSheriff) May 25, 2020

Sheriff Salisbury and the men and women of MCSO want to thank all our Veterans for securing our freedoms! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸Co3 pic.twitter.com/IeuEIL8bBS

— Mason County Sheriff (@MasonCoSheriff) May 25, 2020

Thank you to all those that have served and are serving our great country. It is because of you we have our freedom! #MemorialDay2020 pic.twitter.com/wxYvWMROXm

— Trooper Rick Johnson (@wspd2pio) May 25, 2020

Put my flag out early this morning. As a retired veteran, I am honored to recognize those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country today and everyday. #MemorialDay2020 #NeverForgotten pic.twitter.com/90httl9aJ1

— Trooper John Bryant (@wspd6pio) May 25, 2020

Today we honor those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice.

Their courage will be honored and #NeverForgotten. #ThankYouForYourService#GoneButNeverForgotten#HonorOurFallen #MemorialDay #YourWSP pic.twitter.com/zYAnZW2pQY

— Trooper Chelsea Hodgson (@wspd8pio) May 25, 2020

Wishing you and yours a meaningful Memorial Day today. pic.twitter.com/vn9HAvHAOP

— Snohomish Co Parks (@snocoparks) May 25, 2020

Remembering all who lost their lives in service to our country. #MemorialDay pic.twitter.com/nUUmez2axR

— South County Fire (@SouthSnoFire) May 25, 2020

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” – John F. Kennedy pic.twitter.com/cdvAIy3uKk

— Tukwila Police (@TukwilaPD) May 25, 2020

We honor and remember with gratitude and pride, all those who served and died for our country and our freedom on this Memorial Day.#YourEFD #MemorialDay2020 pic.twitter.com/ZbXjmGYsQh

— Everett Fire WA (@EverettFire) May 25, 2020

Remembering those who sacrificed it all and to those who are serving now to protect us from near and far. Let’s take a moment during this time to say THANK YOU! pic.twitter.com/afBGUWGC2z

— Lake Stevens Police (@LKS_POLICE) May 25, 2020

In solemn remembrance. #MemorialDay pic.twitter.com/vNFDapIQjV

— Marysville, WA (@WA_Marysville) May 25, 2020

MEMORIAL DAY – While you are out enjoying your long weekend, don’t forget the true reason we are given this opportunity. Your Olympia Firefighters would like to recognize the men and women of our Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice defending the freedoms we enjoy today. pic.twitter.com/JJhRPsVeYq

— Olympia Firefighters (@OlyFirefighters) May 25, 2020

Enjoy Memorial Day 2020! #Freedom #Remember pic.twitter.com/RBoCtMu3wa

— Bremerton Police (@BremertonPD) May 25, 2020

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