Ceremony was powerful at FWHS

On a drizzly Wednesday morning, in a typical high school gym, filled with normal teenage students, an extraordinary thing happened this week. With the reverence of maturity well beyond their years, the 52nd Eagle Squadron of Federal Way High School, gave a gift of lasting tribute in the form of a granite memorial. The names engraved are “fallen Eagles.” These are thirteen Federal Way graduates who died while serving our Country.

The ceremony was simple. The effect on the 1,500 teens in the audience was noticeably respectful. The Cadets of the Air Force JROTC looked sharp in uniform, and their discipline, and poise, were classic.

Thanks for this project go to: Cadets Steve Chae, Sonika Vashist and Joshua Lindley who did the tedious research necessary to discover the names of the fallen Eagles; Lt Col. Randy Long for the idea, school librarian Bob Koreis who helped with records. and the support of Principal Randy Kaczor.

The idea of honoring the ultimate sacrifice of laying down your life for your brother is not out of date. Gratitude is alive and well in Federal Way in a tangible memorial to the heroes of Federal Way High.

Another thank you goes to School Board Director Charlie Hoff who saw the JROTC Program as a highly valuable addition to our students’ Choice Program. Right on.

As I left the gym, I heard a student tell a friend “That made my eyes water.”

Yes, me too.

Maureen Bernardy

Federal Way

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