The sound of bagpipes filled the air as veterans, families and community members gathered for the annual Veterans Day Resource Fair and Ceremony at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds Pavilion, a tradition honoring those who have served and sacrificed for the nation.
The event, held Nov. 11, began with ushers and greeters from local veteran organizations and youth groups welcoming guests to explore 24 static displays and resource booths.
Then, James Naismith of the Navy Band Northwest performed a bagpipe prelude before the formal ceremony began. Co-hosts Patty Lent, president of the Bremerton-Olympic Peninsula Council Navy League, and retired U.S. Navy Capt. Alan Schrader guided the program, which featured patriotic music, solemn remembrance, and words of gratitude.
The presentation of colors was carried out by the Knights of Columbus and the Naval Sea Cadet Corps’ Scorpion Battalion, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a stirring rendition of the national anthem by Kim Hurst. Pastor Michael Scheftic delivered the invocation.
Kevin “Rusty” Staub led the POW/MIA Missing Man Ceremony, a tribute to those still unaccounted for, before Hurst performed “God Bless America.”
Kitsap County Commissioner Christine Rolfes offered remarks acknowledging the ongoing contributions of service members and their families.
“Your dedication continues to shape and strengthen Kitsap County,” Rolfes said. “And to those who made the ultimate sacrifice and for families who carry that burden, we hold your loved ones in our hearts and remember their courage. May we honor veterans today and every day not only with words but through action.”
Retired U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Kristen Fabry served as the keynote speaker. She reminded the crowd that Veterans Day honors all who have served — not only in times of war, but also in peace.
“Veterans Day is not only about those who fought in distant wars,” Fabry said. “It is about those who stood the watch in times of peace, who trained tirelessly to deter conflict, and also supported missions — some of those that never made the headlines. It’s about our families who endure deployments, children who grew up with a parent overseas, and spouses who carry the weight of both home and hope. Let us remember the freedom that is safeguarded by those who chose to serve.”
Following her speech, Navy veteran Ilene Davis led a ceremonial bell ringing in remembrance of fallen service members.
The salute to the fallen included Hurst’s performance of “Eternal Father,” with attendees invited to join in, followed by “Taps” performed by Shelly Devlin. Pastor Scheftic closed with a benediction before the Knights of Columbus and the Naval Sea Cadets retired the colors.
Afterward, guests continued visiting the static displays.
