Ballard Eagleson Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3063
"No One Does More for Veterans"
Post 3063’s biggest, local outreach event of the year is the annual Ballard SeafoodFest, which took place July 13-14 this year. Thank you to everyone who was willing to take time out from a summer weekend to help with an effort that’s critical for connecting with the local community and recruiting new members.
Thank you to our comrades, prospective members and families who turned up for our first ever Post 3063 Brunch Social! It was a hit and we plan to do it again in October. (Comrade Jr Vice Commander Hamilton will prepare his authentic New Orleans-style shrimp and grits.) Special thanks to Jan Krawitz, our rental manager and Scottish Army Knife, for stepping in to cook last minute. She is such a gem! 
On May 21 Commander Teeter and Comrade Ellingboe, along with Comrade Jesse Palacios from West Seattle VFW and Dale Watanabe from the Nisei Veterans Committee, received a City of Seattle Government Memorial Day Proclamation.
Comrade and Councilmember Robert Kettle sponsored the proclamation, along with Councilmember and veteran Rob Saka.
This is the first City of Seattle Memorial Day Proclamation in recent history and we commend the veterans on the council for spearheading it. Their recognition honors the bravery and sacrifice of our fallen heroes, and together, we ensure their legacy endures and their service is never forgotten.
City of Seattle
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, Memorial Day has been observed since 1868, and recognized in its more familiar form as we know it today, since the end of World War I, yet before that, it was celebrated on different days and even sometimes referred to as Decoration Day; and
WHEREAS, our country honors this day with parades and ceremonies, which is in keeping with General Order No. 11 of Headquarters, Grand Army of the Republic, signed in 1868. The order stated: “no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit”; and
WHEREAS, the intent of the order was: “to inaugurate this observance with the hope that it will be kept up from year to year, while a survivor of the war remains to honor the memory of his departed comrades”; and
WHEREAS, each year in May, Americans pause to observe Memorial Day, a National holiday since 1971 set aside to remember with dignity and admiration those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our great nation; and
WHEREAS, our predecessors who shaped the structure of our government and defended our freedoms so that future generations would be free to live their lives as they chose, set forth the groundwork for higher discoveries in science, exploration, and democratic values, also started long-lasting traditions that enrich our heritage, and fought in wars so that future generations, both near and far, would be free to live their lives; and
WHEREAS, on Memorial Day, it is of the utmost importance to hold dear the memories of our friends and family members who have served and gave their last full measure of devotion for our country to help preserve the freedoms and rights guaranteed to all people under the U.S. Constitution; and
WHEREAS, on this day, we all pay tribute to those who have given their lives in service of our nation, our fathers, brothers, sons, now also mothers and sisters and daughters and family members, or our neighbors and our friends, and our community whose participation in such events provide a “fitting testimonial of respect” to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation;
NOW, THEREFORE THE MAYOR AND SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL RECOGNIZES
MEMORIAL DAY, MONDAY, MAY 27TH, 2024
Mayor Bruce A. Harrell
Council President Sara Nelson
Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth
Councilmember Robert Kettle
Councilmember Cathy Moore
Councilmember Tammy. J. Morales
Councilmember Maritza Rivera
Councilmember Rob Saka
Quartermaster Harold Hamilton (second from left) and Post 3063 Adopt-A-Unit Coordinator, Alexander Salazar (second from right), presented the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)’s official Adopt-A-Unit certificate to the Washington National Guard’s 181st Brigade Support Battalion Command Sergeant Major, Troy Martin (left), and Battalion Executive Officer, Maj. Chaz Bantle (right) on April 13, 2024.
Previously we adopted two 181 companies but felt compelled to adopt the entire unit since there was interest from both the Guard and VFW leadership for providing more support. Over the course of the previous year, we participated in a variety of events with the 181, including a static display at our post at our Armed Forces Day social and Veterans Day Open House. In addition, their leadership attended our fundraiser and the Post 3063 commander attended their Trunk or Treat event at the Interbay installation. We also hosted a holiday party and donated relief fund money to another party.
Post 3063 is offering a scholarship to deserving soldiers as part of our effort to strengthen ties with the unit. We look forward to offering continued support to the unit’s soldiers and families as we head into the next VFW year!