Sailors, civilians and family members gathered together to observe a Memorial Day ceremony at Jackson Plaza on Naval Station Everett (NSE), May 25.

The ceremony is held each year to remember and honor service members who have died while serving in the U.S. armed forces.

"Without the sacrifices of the service members who had gone before us, we wouldn't be a free country with all the rights that accompany that," said Capt. Mark A. Lakamp, NSE commanding officer. "The wars we've fought over history to maintain that freedom, none of that would have happened without the sacrifices of our predecessors made for us."

The ceremony began with a traditional observance of colors. The flag was quickly raised to the top of the staff, before gently being lowered until it reached the half-mast position, where it remained until noon.

The event also commemorated the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Midway, the U.S. Navy victory that marked the turn of World War II in the Pacific theater. The victory at Midway allowed the U.S. to focus its efforts and resources in the European theater, ultimately helping to win the war.

"We have the next generation of Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, civilians and family members who can now clearly see before them, just how a naval legacy evolves from being a pivotal moment in history...becoming a staple in the Navy's calendar, where history is marked and naval heritage is reaffirmed from generation to generation," said Fire Controlman 1st Class Nicolas Sinclair, assigned to Naval Station Everett.

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