On May 23, we commissioned the new Veterans Memorial in the heart of our county campus. We took elements of the previous Veterans Memorial, which was decommissioned in July 2018, and added additional features to create the new, improved memorial, as part of the courthouse renovation project.
I am thankful to the Pilkenton family for taking care of the eternal flame. The Pilkenton family was charged with keeping the flame burning during construction of the new memorial. Norma Pilkenton and other members of the family were present when we revived our eternal flame, and it once again is lighting our memorial.
Our veterans have served all of us, and this new memorial is one way to thank them for their service and remember the sacrifices made on our behalf. The next time you are in Everett, I urge you to stop by and pay your respects.
As part of our Memorial Day activities, I was also proud to announce the Military Pathways program, which will help ease the transition from military to civilian life. This program will provide support to our veterans and their families before, during, and after the hiring process into Snohomish County government. I highly encourage other employer to create similar programs to help those who defended our freedoms.

Dave Somers
County Executive