(Thanks to David Hutchinson for the photo sequence of a bald eagle fishing at Weather Watch Park recently)

No traffic report this morning (check cameras here) because of the holiday – but before we get to the day’s events, here’s what you need to know about transit/transportation:

METRO: Buses are on Sunday schedules.
WATER TAXI: West Seattle runs on its Sunday schedule; Vashon is not running.
WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES: Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth is on the weekend 2-boat schedule.
SOUND TRANSIT: The 560 Express bus is on a Sunday schedule.
STREET PARKING: In neighborhoods with city pay stations/metering, today is a “free parking day.”

Here’s open/closed info for the holiday:

SEATTLE PARKS CLOSURES: Details are here.
WADING POOL & SPRAYPARK: Last day of the season – Lincoln Park wading pool and Highland Park spraypark are both open 11 am-8 pm.
SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARIES … are closed.
REGULAR SOLID WASTE PICKUP? If you are a Monday customer, yes.

From our calendar:

SEATTLE LABOR RIDE/POKER RUN: Join City Councilmember Lisa Herbold on a motorcycle ride and “poker run” celebrating the history of the labor movement and benefiting the Labor Archives of Washington – starts at Chelan Café in West Seattle at 9 am, with registration starting at 8 am – full details in our preview. All riders welcome, any size motorcycle or scooter. (3527 Chelan SW)

PANCAKE BREAKFAST AND OPEN HOUSE: 9 am-noon pancake breakfast, noon-3 pm open house at the newly renovated Disabled American Veterans hall in North Delridge – details in our preview. (4857 Delridge Way SW)

CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT FOR CHARITY: Noon at The Bridge, play cornhole for prizes, with entry fees benefiting Shamrock Charities. (California/Graham)

FINAL DAY FOR ALKI LIGHTHOUSE TOURS: The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary‘s final day this year to host free tours of the historic lighthouse is today. 1-4 pm – be there by 3:40 pm to be sure you get in. (3201 Alki SW)

And in case you missed it – looking ahead to the rest of the week:

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL: Most local schools that haven’t already started classes will do so tomorrow or Wednesday. Here’s the list.

Have a great Labor Day! If there’s breaking news, best way to tip us is text/voice at 206-293-6302, 24/7 – thank you!

The winter holidays are not that far away, and two holiday events are already inviting you to apply:

FAUNTLEROY FINE ART AND GIFT SHOW CALL FOR ARTISTS: Just received:

The Fauntleroy Fine Art and Holiday Gift Show highlights the creativity of fine artists and crafters, working in any medium. Applicants must be a resident of, or have studio space in, West Seattle (Vashon residents are also welcome to apply). Painters, glass artists, printmakers, photographers, sculptors, fiber artists and crafters who exhibit a high level of creativity are encouraged to apply. Apply at www.fauntleroyucc.org/events by September 17th.

HOLIDAY BAZAAR IN THE JUNCTION: Also from the inbox:

Holiday Bazaar, Saturday, November 25, 9 AM -4 PM, Alki Masonic Center, 4736 40th SW. Vendor tables available; early-bird vendor discount until October 1st. Application link: form.jotform.us/72178254467161

If you’re doing early planning for holiday events like these, let us know! editor@westseattleblog.com

(WSB photo, Labor Day 2016)

Motorcycle or scooter rider? You’re invited to start your Labor Day with the third annual Seattle Labor Ride & Poker Run, hosted by City Councilmember Lisa Herbold, celebrating the history of labor and supporting the Labor Archives of Washington. The ride starts at West Seattle’s Chelan Café. The first one two years ago, explains organizer Bob Combs (above with spouse, the ride’s host), was a campaign event, but then last year, he says, “Pairing up with a friend of mine from the VME (Vintage Motorcycle Enthusiasts) club, Tom Samuelson, we put a different twist on it and turned it into a fundraiser for LAWS (Labor Archive of Washington State), moved the date to Labor Day.” They raised $600 for the archives, grew the turnout, and hope to get even more participants this year.

The stops, hosted by unions and/or visiting their halls, are listed on the ride’s website, here, where you’ll also get the explanation of “poker run” if you haven’t been on one before. The entry fee is $20. Combs adds, “The ride is all on largely empty city streets the morning of Labor Day, speed limits are all under 40, and is very friendly to smaller bikes and scooters.” Registration starts at 8 am Monday outside the Chelan Café (3527 Chelan SW), with riders leaving at 9.

Thanks to Chi Krneta for the fireworks photos, looking north from West Seattle toward Lake Union.

If you missed the fireworks – or just can’t get enough – another local show is just two weeks away, White Center Jubilee Days fireworks at Steve Cox Memorial Park (1321 SW 102nd) on Wednesday, July 19th.

What a parade! It took almost 15 minutes – as you can see in our clips above and below – for all the participants in this morning’s 23rd annual West Seattle 4th of July Kids’ Parade just to walk, roll, and ride from the starting line in North Admiral:

This was the second year that Emily Williams of FIT4MOM West Seattle coordinated the parade. With family and friends at her side, she provided an exuberant welcome:

She then introduced City Councilmember Lisa Herbold, whose two-minute Independence Day speech included a tribute to those celebrating new U.S. citizenship today:

And then – just before the parade began – Kaylen Stancik sang a stirring version of the National Anthem:

Then, after the countdown, West Seattle’s only 4th of July parade hit the road. We featured a few photos earlier, and have more after the jump:

Read More

Seems as if every kid in West Seattle is in today’s 23rd annual West Seattle 4th of July Kids’ Parade!

The hundreds and hundreds of paraders have finished leaving the start line at 44th and Sunset, headed to Hamilton Viewpoint Park (crossing California at Atlantic – so avoid that area for a while longer) for old-fashioned field games, starting soon. SFD and SPD are here too:

We’ll have a second report later with video and more photos.

(Added: Sawyer, 10, and Ella, 7, decorated their house on 41st SW! Photo by Ben Wolters)

As usual, your “what’s happening in West Seattle on Independence Day” information is ALL in one place – our one-page guide, here.

The key events:

(Bald eagle, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

*Help put up/take down flags in The Junction (9 am and 5 pm, NE corner of California/Alaska)

*Participate in or watch the 23rd annual West Seattle 4th of July Kids’ Parade (10 am, 44th/Sunset)

*Meet the Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s new executive director Jeff McCord at the SWSHS picnic (noon-3 pm, 61st/Stevens)

*Personal fireworks are illegal but you can see organized shows to the north (Lake Union) and south (3 Tree Point), both after 10 pm

Again, these are just part of what’s in our guide, which includes today’s transit changes, aquatics info, fireworks-viewing suggestions, businesses’ open/closed/changes info, and more. We’ll be out covering holiday happenings as the day/night unfold, so check back here for updates, and have a great 4th!

P.S. We hope you don’t need to use it, but if you lose or find a pet (4th fireworks tend to make this a busier day/night for that), remember that WSB has the only all-West Seattle lost/found pets page. If you need to make a report, send info (including a contact #, and photo if available – detailed description if not) to editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you.

(WSB photo from 2015 parade)

One more reminder – tomorrow brings the 23rd annual West Seattle 4th of July Kids’ Parade, starting from 44th and Sunset (map) at 10 am Tuesday. All kids and their families are invited to participate – just show up! As announced by coordinator Emily Williams of FIT4MOM West Seattle, you’ll hear the national anthem from Kaylen Stancik and opening remarks from City Councilmember Lisa Herbold. After the parade winds across a few blocks of North Admiral and crosses California SW, it’s on to Hamilton Viewpoint Park for classic games. (Diaper drive dropoff for WestSide Baby, too!)

The parade is free to participants and spectators but NOT free to coordinators – as participation grows, permit costs and other expenses do too, so if you can spare $ to help this unique tradition continue, please stop by the crowdfunding page. See you at the parade!

If you haven’t seen it already, the annual WSB West Seattle 4th of July page is up and we’re continuing to update it – if an event is missing, or if your business has special hours (or is closed) on the 4th, please let us know and we’ll add that too. editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!

Just one week until Independence Day! West Seattle’s biggest event of the holiday is happening again this year – the West Seattle 4th of July Kids’ Parade – and we have updates today from volunteer parade coordinator Emily Williams of West Seattle FIT4MOM:

*Councilmember Lisa Herbold to kick off the Parade

*National Anthem Singer: Kaylen Stancik (School of Rock student)

*In addition to Admiral Neighborhood Association selling popsicles and bottled water as a fundraiser, two food trucks will also be parked in the Loop at Hamilton Viewpoint: Little J’s Dawg House and Mini the Dough-Nut.

*Still looking for donations to help support the parade [here’s the link]

Looking forward to a great holiday event!

The parade starts at 44th SW/Sunset SW (map) at 10 am Tuesday, July 4th. All kids and their families are welcome to participate – just show up! Everyone’s welcome to line the parade route and watch – it ends at Hamilton Viewpoint Park with classic field games. And to Emily’s last point – every little bit helps – the parade continues to grow, and so do the permit fees charged by the city, as well as other expenses.

Independence Day is just one week from tomorrow, so we’re working on the annual WSB West Seattle 4th of July page. Got a public event planned? Will your business be closed, or open special holiday hours? Please let us know (if you haven’t already) ASAP so we can include it when we publish the page late tonight – editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!

By Tracy Record and Patrick Sand
West Seattle Blog co-publishers

The numbers were daunting … the personal stories heartbreaking yet inspiring.

West Seattle’s American Legion Post 160 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2713 joined forces again today for our area’s official Memorial Day ceremony at Forest Lawn Cemetery (WSB sponsor), a half-hour tribute to those who served and sacrificed.

Atop our story, you can watch video of the entire ceremony, starting just after Forest Lawn’s Hank Kerns welcomed everyone, mentioning the cemetery and funeral home’s 115-year history and commitment to the future.

Post 160 Chaplain Kelly Wadsworth gave the invocation, followed by Post 2713’s Ben Squires with two very personal stories.

He told of the day 66 years ago – June 2, 1951 – when two Marines came to his family’s door to deliver the news that his brother, Sgt. Walter L. Squires, had just been killed in action in Korea. At the time, another brother, Al Squires, had just enlisted in the Marine Corps and was also far from home, training in Southern California. Ben Squires’ memories were clear and painful, of his mother being presented with the telegram announcing her son’s death.

Fifteen years later, he continued, he himself was a “forward observer” in Vietnam – he explained that meant someone who “goes out with the infantry” and if they encounter trouble, they call in reinforcements. While he was out one day, a fellow servicemember was killed by an explosion, just yards away … 19 years old, engaged to be married, less than a month to go before he was scheduled to go home. “It’s hard to imagine, when you see the graves, crosses, and flags” – like those surrounding the ceremony site at Forest Lawn – “each of them has a story.”

The magnitude of the losses was at the heart of the stories told next by Post 160 Commander Keith Hughes, an Army veteran.

After reading the legendary 1915 poem “In Flanders Fields,” he spoke of watching a documentary about the 23 cemeteries overseas where more than 125,000 U.S. servicemembers are buried, and tens of thousands more remembered as missing in action: “Mostly ordinary men and women caught up in the calamity of war,” each withe their own tales of “courage and service …It’s for these heroes that we gather today.”

As Hughes recalled, World War I was supposed to be “the war that ended all wars … tragically, it wasn’t.” The sacrifices continue. He told the stories of U.S. Air Force Capt. Mary Therese Klinker, killed in a plane crash on April 4, 1975, during Operation Babylift, rescuing orphans from South Vietnam, and Green Beret SSgt. Mark De Alencar, killed fighting ISIS in Afghanistan just last month.

Capt. Klinker was 27; SSgt. De Alencar, 37. But the average age of those buried in the overseas cemeteries he had mentioned, Hughes said, was just 20 – “they left us too early … but what they lacked in time, they made up in valor.” He urged support not just for veterans but for their families and the families of those who gave their lives in service.

Also participating in today’s ceremony: Boy Scout Troop 284, singer Ross Hauck (with “America the Beautiful” and the national anthem), and Pete Kirkman and Al Keith with “Dueling Taps.” Before and afterward, the Duwamish Jazz Band entertained at Forest Lawn:

And shortly after the ceremony, Post 160 hosted a cookout at its headquarters in The Triangle:

Members and community volunteers began the day by placing flags along California SW in the heart of the West Seattle Junction.

The flags that line The Junction on holidays like this are there thanks to volunteers – and this morning, West Seattle’s American Legion Post 160 led the crew.

They gathered to retrieve, tote, and place the flags along California SW in the heart of downtown West Seattle.

The volunteers spanned generations – including the youngest volunteer, Ryder.

This is a busy day for Post 160 members – you’ll also see them at the Forest Lawn (6701 30th SW; WSB sponsor) Memorial Day ceremony at 2 pm, and they’re hosting a free community cookout afterward, starting at 3:15 pm at their headquarters in The Triangle, 3618 SW Alaska – all welcome at both events.

P.S. Volunteer help is also welcome for flag removal this afternoon – meet on the northeast corner of California/Alaska at 5 pm.

(Juvenile bald eagle, photographed at Constellation Park by David Hutchinson)

Good morning! Here’s what you need to know this Memorial Day:

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT: No regular traffic report today because of the holiday but you can check local cams here. … Metro buses are on a Sunday schedule … The West Seattle Water Taxi is on a Sunday schedule … Sound Transit Route 560 is not running today … Washington State Ferries‘ Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run is on its regular weekday schedule.

OTHER MEMORIAL DAY NOTES: Here’s the Seattle Parks list of what’s open and what’s not … Schools are closed … Seattle Public Library branches are closed … Today is a U.S. Postal Service holiday … If you’re going to a Seattle neighborhood with on-street pay stations/metered parking, there’s no charge today because it’s a city “free parking” day.

What’s happening today:

HELP WITH FLAGS IN THE JUNCTION: American Legion Post 160 invites you to help put up and take down the flags in the West Seattle Junction – meet outside Cupcake Royale on the northeast corner of California/Alaska at 9 am for the morning help and 5 pm for the evening removal.

COLMAN POOL, FINAL DAY OF FIRST PRE-SEASON WEEKEND: Swim sessions noon-7 pm at the city-run outdoor saltwater pool on the shore at Lincoln Park – see the schedule here. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE TOURS: 1 pm-4 pm (last group admitted at 3:40 pm), it’s the last day of this year’s first weekend of free tours at Alki Point Lighthouse. (3201 Alki SW)

LOW-LOW TIDE, WITH BEACH NATURALISTS: 2:20 pm brings a -2.5 low-low tide. 1-4 pm, you will find Seattle Aquarium volunteer beach naturalists on the shore at Constellation Park (south of Alki Point) and Lincoln Park – look for the signs.

MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY: The traditional ceremony presented by American Legion Post 160 and community partners is at 2 pm this afternoon at Forest Lawn (WSB sponsor), all welcome. (6701 30th SW)

AFTER THE CEREMONY: Post 160 invites you to a community cookout at its headquarters in The Triangle, 3:15-5 pm. (3618 SW Alaska)

From American Legion Post 160 in The Triangle, as Memorial Day nears, a set of invitations:

(WSB file photo)

POPPIES: Post 160 will distribute poppies at West Seattle Thriftway (4201 SW Morgan; WSB sponsor) 10 am-4 pm Saturday and Sunday (May 27-28). The backstory:

On September 27, 1920, the poppy became the official flower of The American Legion family to memorialize the soldiers who fought and died during the war. In 1924, the distribution of poppies became a national program of The American Legion.

Each year, members of The American Legion family, led by the American Legion Auxiliary, distribute poppies with a request that the person receiving the flower make a donation to support the future of veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families with medical and financial needs.

(WSB photo from 2016)

MEMORIAL DAY FLAGS IN THE JUNCTION: They go up at 9 am Monday and come down at 5 pm:

Community members of all ages are welcome to help put up and take down the flags at 9 am and 5 pm. Volunteers are requested to meet on the northeast corner of California and Alaska.

Inbetween:

MEMORIAL DAY REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY: 2-3 pm at Forest Lawn Funeral Home and Cemetery (6701 30th SW; WSB sponsor), and you are invited to attend:

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service of the United States of America. The ceremony will be conducted at the flag pole in the cemetery. Free parking can be found at the Forest Lawn office across the street.

After the ceremony, join American Legion Post 160 at its home, 3618 SW Alaska St, for a complimentary community cookout from 3:15 – 5 PM.