Pierce County proclaims Memorial Day, Gold Star families speak at council meeting

Pierce County Council and Executive on Tuesday proclaimed Monday, May 26, 2025, as "Honoring Our Heroes: Pierce County Remembers," and invited Gold Star family members and veterans to speak at the council chambers in Tacoma.

The proclamation, read by Vice Chair Herrera, cited the federal observance of Memorial Day and called on Pierce County residents to reflect on and support families of service members who died in military service. "We encourage all community members to take part in this day of reflection and gratitude to honor the fallen and to support those who continue to serve and sacrifice," the proclamation said.

The proclamation matters locally because Pierce County is home to Joint Base Lewis–McChord and a large veteran population; the county said the day offers an occasion for public ceremonies and community support for surviving family members.

During the ceremony, Gold Star family members and veterans described personal loss and local remembrance traditions. Karen Black, introduced with other Gold Star family members, described the family’s experience after their son, a Green Beret medic, was killed overseas in 2017 and the community support that followed. "I was struck again by the card from Sumner Vet where our dogs were boarded for over a month... The invoice had a 0 balance," Black said, describing support her family received. She urged attendees to use the day to "pause and remember" and to "make your life worthy of their sacrifice."

Craig Doherty, past commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, told the council that VFW priorities include honoring veterans and supporting their families. "We do not leave the families behind," he said.

Teddy W. Simpson, a Puyallup tribal member and veteran, said the proclamation reminds the community of local veterans’ sacrifices, citing a Puyallup tribal servicemember returned many years after World War II. "It is this next Monday that we all sit in remembrance of our fellow people we know," Simpson said.

Several council members thanked the families and veterans and noted county Memorial Day events, including a Puyallup program at Pioneer Park Pavilion and community ceremonies in other council districts. Vice Chair Herrera highlighted the county’s proximity to Joint Base Lewis–McChord and urged continued community remembrance.

The meeting closed the proclamation segment by inviting the Gold Star families to join the dais for a photo; no formal action beyond the reading and adoption of the proclamation was required or recorded.