Vets honor current, past troops in Kelso Memorial Day event
As Cowlitz County observed another Memorial Day on Monday, America's military was engaged in another conflict in the Middle East.
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Jenipher Storms, 51, of Castle Rock, served in the Army and helped lead the ceremony at Cowlitz View Memorial Garden during the holiday.
On Memorial Day, Storms told The Daily News she reflects on the veterans of the past who lost their lives in previous conflicts, but also others who lived through wars and made sacrifices in their own ways.
The current war with Iran, adds "more weight" to this year's ceremony, she said.
American Flag
The American Flag waves during a Memorial Day event at Cowlitz View Memorial Gardens on Monday, May 25, in Kelso. The event included patriotic music, a gun salute and speeches.
The war started Feb. 28, but is in a stalemate as the U.S., Israel and Iran are reported to be on the cusp of a potential plan to end the conflict.
"It's important that we not only remember our fallen heroes that (were) in battles that never came home, we keep them in our hearts near and dear, but it's important that we remember our veterans and their service," said Storm during a short opening speech.
The Glen Hoyer Castle Rock American Legion Post 175 and the Toutle Valley Veterans of Foreign Wars hosted the ceremony, which included a recording of "The Star-Spangled Banner," famously performed by Whitney Houston during Super Bowl XXV in 1991.
Flags waved as the Battle Hymn of the Republic played over a speaker around 9 a.m.
A gun salute was also performed, followed by a rendition of taps.
Veterans at a Memorial Day ceremony
Veterans stand during a Memorial Day ceremony at Cowlitz View Memorial Gardens on Monday, May 25, in Kelso. The event included patriotic music, a gun salute and speeches.
In the course of her speech, Storms made a sweeping gesture with her hand to draw the audience's attention to the surrounding graves.
"As you see looking over the cemetery all these small little flags signify another veteran, we had to say goodbye to," she said.
Above some graves were small American flags, with loved ones bringing offerings.
Clarence Stamey, who serves as chaplain for the Castle Rock American Legion Post 175, offered a prayer during the ceremony and spoke of past conflicts as far back as the American Revolution.
"Thank God we only had one major war in the United States," he said, referencing the Civil War.
Memorial Day ceremony
The audience watches a Memorial Day ceremony at Cowlitz View Memorial Gardens on Monday, May 25, in Kelso. The event included patriotic music, a gun salute and speeches.
Susan and Rich Phillips, owners and funeral directors at Kelso's Covenant Funeral Home and Cremation Services, coordinated with the organizers to set up the event.
Susan Phillips said Memorial Day is a day to honor loved ones who are gone and other veterans who served.
Rich Phillips, who served in the Marine Corps, emphasized that every person who has served in the military is vital to the country.
"Of course, we don't want to lose our service members," he added.
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This story was originally published May 26, 2026 at 4:29 AM.