Veterans Day Celebration: Des Moines Memorial Drive, A Living Legacy
Join the November 11 ceremony at Sunnydale Elementary, honoring veterans and preserving a historic, tree-lined memorial to WWI's fallen
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The following article was submitted by Ted Teppo, President of Des Moines Memorial Drive Preservation Association.
A Veterans Day event will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. to honor all Veterans for their service, and to celebrate the preservation of Des Moines Memorial Drive as a Living Road of Remembrance.
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. Parking is available on site. The facility and surrounding site are ADA accessible.
Leading off the ceremony, attendees will observe a solemn commemorative bell ringing at 11 a.m.
The event will feature the presentation of the colors/flag by the Burien American Legion Post #134, along with an eagle standard presented by Unkitawa, an Indigenous organization headquartered in Kent.
John Romero, Veterans Program Manager for Unkitawa, will present on Indigenous Veterans and their celebrations.
Chris Plyman, historian for American Legion Post #134,will present information on the role of Veterans organizations.
Weather permitting, there will be a display of an authentic WWI era ambulance - graciously provided by Kirk Skaggs.
Soloist Kate Bysheim will sing the National Anthem and other musical selections.
The Highline Exchange Club will participate in the event by providing hand-held American flags commemorating all who served.
Reception Afterwards
Afterwards, please join us inside the schoolhouse as we celebrate all Veterans and the history of Des Moines Memorial Drive, with our exhibits to learn more. Refreshments will be provided.
Of the many “Living Roads of Remembrance” built across the U. S. Dedicated to WWI fallen, our roadway 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 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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