Issaquah Highlands Council hosted its annual Veterans Day in Issaquah Highlands on Monday, Nov. 12, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. Community members gathered outside Blakely Hall in Village Green Park at the eastern end of Park Drive.

Some 70 people attended including 10 veterans. Issaquah Mayor Mary Lou Pauly, King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert and other public figures folded into the neighborhood crowd to honor the community’s veterans.

The Issaquah Highlands ceremony is family friendly, and several scout troops were invited to participate. Cub Scout Pack 680 arrived early to set up chairs and tables, and they decorated with red, white and blue banners. Girls from Girl Scout Troop 43975 performed the flag ceremony. Girl Scout Troop 41754 set up a “Thank a veteran” table in Blakely Hall to gather letters for veterans.

Dr. Paul Dean presided over the ceremony, as he has for the last four years. With a PhD in American history focusing on World War I, Dean is uniquely qualified to provide inspiring words and context to the event, especially on the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI.

All presenters in the ceremony were Issaquah Highlands residents. Each veteran introduced themselves and received a gift made by Issaquah Highlands children. Attendees joined in song as they paid their respects to veterans and their families.

Facing the audience, Joni Lee (left) and Lizzie Dean sang the national anthem a cappella. Photo courtesy of Dennis Crane/DBC Photo.

Kurt Dyrhsen, Music Director at Sammamish Presbyterian Church, led the attendees in song, first with “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary,” a traditional WWI march song, and “American the Beautiful.” MC Dr. Paul Dean is looking on. Photo courtesy of Dennis Crane/DBC Photo.