The Kitsap Mall showcase of Service Men and Women Past and Present (on display at the Center Court) was a moving and dignified tribute to our nation’s veterans on Memorial Day weekend.

Laid out on long decorated tables are acrylic display frames with hundreds of photographs and identifying information. As I examined each photograph, vividly alive were the images of veterans from WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, First Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan.

These veterans are the fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles of all of us. Particular heart-wrenching were the photographs of those killed in action. The photos represent the military services of the United States Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Coast Guard and Air Force.

My sincere thanks to the management of Kitsap Mall for this very special commemoration that is clearly above and beyond the usual merchandised treatment of Memorial Day. And kudos to Angie Pomeroy who coordinated this display with the public.

Capt. James M. Olsen,

U.S. Coast Guard (retired)

Bainbridge Island