53 new names added to Suquamish Veterans Monument
Published 1:30 am Tuesday, May 27, 2025
The Suquamish Tribe commemorated the 20th anniversary of its Veterans Monument May 23 by unveiling the addition of 53 new names engraved into the stone canoes on the monument’s Wall of Honor.
Part of ceremonies leading into the Memorial Day Weekend, Suquamish Warriors president Jim Henry Jr. laid a wreath between the two markers, which bear the name of Chief Kitsap on the left and Chief Seattle on the right, with each canoe carrying the names of Suquamish community veterans, per a Suquamish Facebook post. The names of tribal members who have served are marked by a feather.
The Warriors Honor Guard also conducted a 21-gun salute and Warriors’ chaplain Ed Midkiff offered a prayer in both words and music. Kata Ahvakana and Barb Santos sang a traditional song to honor the gathered veterans.
“Tribal Council Vice Chair Josh Bagley offered words of gratitude, and Warriors historian Chuck Wagner reminded us of the deep bonds formed in war — and how Suquamish has long stood by all who serve, both tribal members and our broader community,” the Facebook post states.
Tribal elder and Vietnam veteran Steve Clark closed the ceremony by sharing a personal essay on what Memorial Day means to him — a reflection shaped by decades of service, remembrance, and reverence at veterans’ cemeteries across the country.
Before the ceremony, a platoon of Suquamish Warriors, joined by family and loved ones, gathered at the nearby Suquamish Cemetery to place new flags on the graves of each veteran interned there, including Chief Seattle. One by one, flags were carefully set in place, restoring the colors to each marker, the post concludes.
