Saluting the ceremonial wreath

Senior Airman Janelle Patiño, Fairchild Honor Guard member, and Alfie Alvarado, Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs director, salute the ceremonial wreath during the commemoration ceremony for the 70th anniversary to the end of World War II Aug. 15, 2015, at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake, Wash. Col. Matthew Fritz, 92nd Air Refueling Wing vice commander, can be seen in the background also saluting and flanked by WWII veterans and their families. The gift of flowers at a memorial site is a ritual that occurs around the world and understood in nearly every culture. The floral tributes at funeral bespeak both the beauty and the brevity of life and evoke memories of other days. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Benjamin W. Stratton)

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Multi-service color guard marching

Multi-service color guard marches away following the kickoff of the commemoration ceremony for the 70th anniversary to the end of World War II Aug. 15, 2015, at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake, Wash. Color guards present the national flag and other flags appropriate to its position in the chain of command. In addition to the flag bearers, who are positioned in the center of the color guard, there are two or more individuals who carry rifles and or sabers in a typical formation. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Benjamin W. Stratton)

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A prayer for the fallen

World War II veterans and others in attendance bow their heads during the invocation praying for their fallen comrades who weren’t able to be with them that day as part of a commemoration ceremony for the 70th anniversary to the end of World War II Aug. 15, 2015, at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake, Wash. During times of turmoil and war, mankind always looks to religion and religious figures for comfort, especially those serving in military units. Today, military chaplains continue aiding the men and women serving in uniform with spiritual and moral support. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Benjamin W. Stratton)

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Stearmans do a flyover

Two Boeing-Stearman Model 75 biplane trainers fly overhead as a multi-service honor guard presents the colors kicking off the commemoration ceremony for the 70th anniversary to the end of World War II Aug. 15, 2015, at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake, Wash. The ceremony was part of a nationwide observance called the “Spirit of ‘45” aimed at ensuring present and future generations never forget the sacrifices and victories accomplished by the “Greatest Generation.” (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Benjamin W. Stratton)

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Unmarked graves

Unmarked grave sites decorated with American flags and flowers provided a solemn backdrop during the commemoration ceremony for the 70th anniversary to the end of World War II Aug. 15, 2015, at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake, Wash. The Department of Veterans Affairs furnishes upon request, at no charge to the applicant, a Government headstone or marker for the unmarked grave of any deceased eligible Veteran in any cemetery around the world, regardless of their date of death. Memorial headstones and markers, for individuals or groups, are furnished for eligible deceased active duty service members and veterans whose remains are not recovered or identified and may also be furnished in nation, military base or state veterans cemeteries to eligible spouses whose remains are unavailable for internment. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Benjamin W. Stratton)

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WWII vet shares memories

U.S. Army Cpl. Harry Goedde, WWII European Theater frontline soldier and Purple Heart recipient from the Battle of the Bulge, flanked by Rudy Lopez, Medical Lake Washington State Veterans Cemetery director and retired Air Force chief master sergeant, talks with fellow World War II veterans and others in attendance during the commemoration ceremony for the 70th anniversary to the end of World War II Aug. 15, 2015, at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake, Wash. Goedde talked about his experience in the war and the incredible friendships he and his fellow service members made while pioneering American military innovation. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Benjamin W. Stratton)

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WWII vet shares memories

U.S. Navy Motor Machinist Mate 3rd Class Ralph Virene, WWII Pacific Theater veteran and associate member of the Pearl Harbor Society, talks with fellow World War II veterans and others in attendance during the commemoration ceremony for the 70th anniversary to the end of World War II Aug. 15, 2015, at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake, Wash. Virene thanked attendees for coming and shared memories from his time in the service. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Benjamin W. Stratton)

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WWII vets, regional service members commemorate fallen comrades

Published Aug. 20, 2015
By Staff Sgt. Benjamin W. Stratton
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

MEDICAL LAKE, Wash. -- Service members from across the region, including Fairchild Airmen, commemorated the 70th anniversary to the end of World War II Aug. 15 at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake, Washington.

"We all made a difference," said U.S. Army Cpl. Harry Goedde, WWII European Theater frontline soldier and Purple Heart recipient from the Battle of the Bulge. "We were just doing our job in service to our country. We fought for our nation's freedoms and for those of citizens around the world, specifically in the European Theater."

According to congressional and state proclamations signed nationwide on Aug. 14, 1945, Americans received word of the end of WWII and greeted the news of the Allies' "noble" victory with joyous celebration, humility and spiritual reflection.

Washington State Governor Jay Inslee said, "The victory marked the culmination of a national effort that defeated the forces of aggression, brought freedom to subjugated nations and ended the horrors of the Holocaust."

Inslee said the entire WWII generation, military personnel and civilians alike, has provided a model of unity and community that serves as a source of inspiration for current and future generations.

"August 14, 1945, marked not only the end of the war, but also the beginning of an unprecedented era of rebuilding," the governor said.

Known as the "Greatest Generation," the WWII generation created an array of organizations that helped to strengthen American democracy by promoting civic engagement, volunteerism and service to community and country.

Goedde talked about his experience in the war and the incredible friendships he and his fellow service members made while pioneering American military innovation.

"They'll never be forgotten," Goedde said of his fallen comrades, thanking those who attended the commemoration ceremony.

Saluting the ceremonial wreath

Multi-service color guard marching

A prayer for the fallen

Stearmans do a flyover

Unmarked graves

WWII vet shares memories

WWII vet shares memories