Nov 11:Veterans Day Ceremony

Local organizations join together to host the largest Veterans Day Program in the State of Washington.

• Where: Kitsap Sun Pavilion Kitsap County Fairgrounds
• When: Monday, November 11, 2013
• Time: Doors open at 9:00 AM, close at 1:00 PM
• Admission: Free
• Information Booths: 25 booths with military related displays, including vintage uniforms and vehicles
• Food: Donated by Crazy Erics Drive In, Costco
• Music: Bremerton High School Marching Band

Join us at the Kitsap Sun Pavilion on the Fairgrounds as we pause to remember and honor our veterans. Doors open at 9:00am so that you can view the many displays and visit the 25 booths. Vintage military uniforms and vehicles will be on display. Arrive early so that you can find a place to sit as over 1800 people are expected to attend.

The actual program begins at 10:30 am with pomp and circumstance of a very formal Parade of Colors. Rear Admiral Dietrich Kuhlmann, Commander, Submarine Group Nine and Guy Stitt, Bremerton Navy League Ambassador will welcome everyone. County Commissioner Josh Brown will introduce all of the Military and Political dignitaries. The Bremerton High School Marching Band will provide the music.

The Bremerton-Olympic Peninsula Council of Navy League is proud to provide the coordination and funds for this memorable event along with 42 other organizations. Special thanks go to Navy League members, Earle and Sandra Smith for their hard work throughout the year to make certain that this program is very special.

This year, the keynote speaker is Lourdes E. Alvarado-Ramos, Director, Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs. “Alfie” Alvarado-Ramos joined WDVA in 1993 and was appointed Deputy Director in 2005. She has a unique understanding of the agency, having led the Veterans Services Division and each of the State Veterans Homes as Superintendent. Alfie served 22 years on active duty, retiring in August 1993 as Command Sergeant Major and Troop Command Sergeant Major of Madigan Army Medical Center in Fort Lewis, Washington. During her military career, she was the recipient of numerous awards and decorations to include the Legion of Merit, Order of Military Medical Merit, Expert Field Medical Badge and Meritorious Service Medals.

Crazy Eric’s Drive In will be providing free refreshments following the program.

Thanks also to the City of Bremerton, Kitsap Sun, Raytheon, Costco, Gordon Sound and the County Commissioners for their great support of this event.