On May 28, 2018, Post 236 hosted Gig Harbor's annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Artondale Cemetery. The driveway was lined with American Flags and wreaths, for each of the services including the Merchant Marines. Wreaths were made by Post 236 Adjutant/2nd Vice Commander Charlene Christian. Post 236 Commander Ken Christian, Jr was the MC for the program. Raising of the flag: St. Nichols Knights of Columbus Council and Boy Scouts Troop 212. National Anthem was sang by Kerry Franks. Opening prayer by Post 236 Chaplain Ken Roberts. Memorial wreath laid by Commander Ken Christian and Washington State Representative Jesse Young. Rifle Salute done by Peninsula Veterans Color and Honor Guard. Dueling taps, trombone and bugle provided by Buglers across America. Pictures were taken by Shannon Christian. Other dignaries in the audience: Washington State Representative Michelle Caldier, Past State Representative Larry Seaquist, and President of the Artondale Cemetery Association Carl Campen.

 

 

Podium set up

 

Commander Ken Christian getting things ready.

 

Greeting members

 

Commander Ken Christian giving directions.

 

Getting the wreaths ready to hang.

 

Honor Guard arriving.

 

Post 236 Members Jack Campbell and Joe Gallagher getting flags set up.

 

Giving the wreaths positioned.

 

SAA Garry Squance getting flag holders pounded in.

 

Looking down the driveway

 

Marine Wreath

 

Navy Wreath

 

Army Wreath

 

Air Force Wreath

 

Coast Guard Wreath

 

Merchant Marine Wreath

 

Boy Scouts Chatting with the Honor Guard

 

Poppy Container in front of Columbarium

 

Meeting of the minds: Left to right: Charlene Christian, Ken Christian, Jack Campbell, Garry Squance, and Ken Roberts.

 

Cmdr Christian talking with the Knights of Columbus.

 

On the Columbarium

 

Commander Christian giving directions at meeting

 

Washington State Representative Jesse Young.

 

State Representative Jesse Young and Commander Christian chatting.

 

Honor Guard Commander Glenn Wade, Armorer Bob Cate, and Vice Commander Michael Johnson.

 

Getting assignments from Charlene Christian

 

Honor Guard Dale Goheen helping decorating the front iron gates

 

Buglers standing ready

 

Honor Guard getting ready

 

Ken and Charlene Christian welcoming Kerry Franks.

 

Starting the program

 

Knights of Columbus and Boy Scouts bring in the flag

 

Post 236 offering a hand salute

 

Honor Guard - Present Arms

 

Kerry franks signing our National Anthem

 

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