In Gratitude and Remembrance

On Memorial Day, we honor military service personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty. If you walk along the Prairie Line Trail through campus, you’ll see small American flags planted by UW Tacoma’s Veterans & Military Resource Center and members of our military community. This annual tradition reminds us to honor the sacrifices made by military personnel in the service of our country.

Each year, during the lead-up to Memorial Day, the Veterans & Military Resource Center holds numerous events during the tri-campus Memorial Week to mark the occasion. In addition to the flag planting, these included a Remembrance Ceremony and the Memorial Day Mile at the University Y. On Memorial Day, the Tacoma Historical Society hosts its 18th annual Day of Remembrance at 11 a.m. in War Memorial Park. This year’s ceremony marks 50 years since the Vietnam War ended.

UW Tacoma is proud to support a large military-connected community, including veterans, active-duty service members, and spouses and children of military personnel. This community also includes Gold Star families, the immediate family members of fallen service members who died while serving in active conflicts.

As we observe Memorial Day, let us do so with deep gratitude. In honoring the memory of our veterans, we renew our commitment to building a more just and peaceful world — one where their families and everyone in our communities can truly thrive.