Puyallup's Memorial Day Program

Puyallup's Memorial Day Celebration is a special tradition that honors the local military community, honoring soldiers past and present.

One of the last four living members of the famous Doolittle Raid on Japan in World War II will be the guest of honor and speaker at Puyallup’s Memorial Day observance in the Pavilion in Pioneer Park, Monday, May 27th, at 1 p.m.

The event is free and indoors. Ed Saylor, 92 and a Puyallup resident, was an engineer of Crew #15 of the 16 Army Air Force B-25 bombers, led by Lt. Col Jimmy Doolittle that flew from the deck of the Navy’s aircraft carrier USS Hornet. The surprise raid shocked Japan and stands as one of the most famous, heroic military events in our history. The public is invited to hear and meet this famous American hero. 

State Senator Bruce Dammeier will also speak in the program, which includes music by the Clan Gordon Pipe Band, Tapestry Singers, colorful memorial presentations by high school junior ROTC units, and the traditional presentations of wreaths for the park memorial with rifle salute and playing of “Taps.”  

Saylor and crew members were awarded The Distinguished Flying Cross for their extraordinary heroism. Others also received decorations for courageous acts committed while evading capture.

President Roosevelt awarded Doolittle the Medal of Honor. Doolittle went on to lead bomber forces against the Nazis in Europe and reached the rank of major general.  

All the crews knew it would be a one-way mission and that the odds were stacked against surviving. None of the aircraft reached their planned destination. Of the 80 airman on the raid, 11 were captured and three of these were executed. Saylor and his crew crash landed on a Chinese coastal island and evaded Japanese troops for over 100 miles to reach safety. His story and actions surrounding the raid are legendary.  The Doolittle Raid had a profound effect on Japanese war plans and boosted the morale and resolve of America as “pay-back” for the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. 

Here is the day's schedule, from the City of Puyallup:
Opening Remarks – Jack Dauer, Commander
 VFW Post 2224

Invocation – Alvie Robbins, Chaplain, Fleet Reserve Association

Presentation of Colors: Rogers High School Army Junior ROTC

The National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance: Tapestry Singers – Cub Scout Pack 5575

Memorial Day 2013: Jack Taylor, Puyallup VFW

Puyallup Mayor Rick Hansen

Presentation of U.S. Military Service Flags
God of our Fathers – US Army Hymn
Eternal Father Strong to Save – US Navy Hymn
Lord Guard and Guide – US Air Force Hymn
Junior ROTC Members – Tapestry Singers

Guest Speaker: State Senator Bruce Dammeier, Navy Veteran

Thank You Soldiers – Souders Tapestry Singers

Honored Guest: Edward J. Saylor, LtCol, USAF, Retired B-25 Crewmember, “Doolittle Raiders," Attack on Japan, April 18, 1942

America the Beautiful – Bates/Ward Tapestry Singers

“Two-Bell Ceremony”
Marvin Johnson and John Peterson
The Fleet Reserve Association Branch 104

Memorial Roll Call of Puyallup’s Fallen
Presentation of Wreaths
Ron Dier, Puyallup VFW and Vicky Mohler, Support America’s Armed Forces

Musical Tribute and Playing of “Amazing Grace”
The Clan Gordon Pipe Band

Rifle Salute and Taps
Puyallup VFW Post 2224/American Legion Post 67
Honor Guard
Dann Kain and John Gonzales, Buglers

Benediction
Ken Fernandes, American Legion Post 67

God Bless America – Berlin Tapestry Singers