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Press Release from Des Moines Memorial Drive Preservation Association:
A Veterans Day event will be held on Tuesday, November 11, at 11 a.m. to celebrate the preservation of Des Moines Memorial Drive and to honor all Veterans.
The event will be held at the historic Sunnydale Elementary School located at 15623 Des Moines Memorial Drive South, Burien Washington 98148. Please dress for the weather conditions. Refreshments will be provided. Parking is available on site.
During the ceremony, attendees will join in a commemorative national bell ringing at 11 a.m. This year’s event will feature the presentation of the colors/flag by the Burien American Legion Post #134. The post will also have a speaker, Chris Plyman – post historian at the event.
Additionally, there will be a display of Vietnam War era military vehicles to include a 1969 Baifield Industries built, M274-A5 transport vehicle and a 1967 Kaiser Willy's M715 Weapons Carrier. The vehicles are graciously provided by Kirk Skaggs of the Vietnam branch of the Living History Group’s Saigon Branch.
Soloist Kate Bysheim will sing the National Anthem, accompanied by the Highline Community Symphonic Band, who will also present patriotic musical numbers for the enjoyment of attendees.
The Highline Exchange Club will once again be attending and participating in the Veterans Day event.
Please join us as we look back and celebrate the history of Des Moines Memorial Drive, with indoor exhibits to learn more.
Of the many “Living Roads of Remembrance” across the U. S. Dedicated to WWI fallen, ours is the only one remaining.
Planting of elms along the drive began in 1921.
From a farm to market road cut through from Sunnydale to Seattle, and eventually extended to the Des Moines Marina, the bustling road was paved with red bricks in 1910. It was a perfect road for the Seattle Garden Club to choose for a memorial road for Washington State's fallen. With a charter from the King County Commission in 1921, 1,400 elms were planted. At two locations, visiting French generals planted elms.
Urbanization took its toll by the 1960s. Elms north of South 128th Street were removed, and a granite memorial was erected in front of Sunnydale Elementary School at South 156th Street and Des Moines Memorial Drive South.
This event is sponsored by the Des Moines Memorial Drive Preservation Association. Please visit our website at www.livingroadofremembrance.com
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