Time Of Remembrance: A Growing Tradition

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By Holly Zuluaga

Summary

A West Richland tradition is getting attention from across the state. A "Time of Remembrance" started three years ago to remember men and women in the armed forces that have fallen. With two special guests, Sunday’s crowd was the biggest ever.

Story Published: Sep 27, 2009 at 7:17 PM PST

WEST RICHLAND—A West Richland tradition is getting attention from across the state.

A "Time of Remembrance" started three years ago to remember men and women in the armed forces that have fallen.

With two special guests, Sunday’s crowd was the biggest ever.

It's one of kind.

One woman's vision is helping families across the state cope with the loss of their loved ones.

“I wanted to create something where we could always remember them and keep them in our hearts,” organizer Shirley Schmunk said.

Shirley Schmunk lost her son Jeremiah 5 years ago in Iraq.

“His unit was ambushed in the middle of the night,” Shirley Schmunk said.

However, it wasn't just about Jeremiah.

It was about all of the fallen service men and women and their families.

With two special guests, Governor Christine Gregoire and General James Mattis, the crowd was bigger than ever.

This year families from Idaho, Oregon, Alaska, and Hawaii were invited to remember.

“These families have come together with other families and in it they're finding ways to help them get through these difficult times,” Governor Christine Gregoire said.

Governor Gregoire told me it's the only one of its kind in the state, and the only one she knows of across the country.

This is her first appearance, but she says she'll be here next year.

“We know the loved ones have paid the human toll, a sacrifice beyond most people's comprehension,” Governor Christine Gregoire said.

The goal is to recognize and remember not just one day, but every day.

“We have families that have been with us for 3 years and what is so special is these families are becoming families with each other and getting stronger every day,” Shirley Schmunk said.

That growing strength is what keeps this day alive.

Shirley says the plan is to keep a time of remembrance going until no one needs them.