On November 11, 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first Armistice Day commemorating the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. On that day Germany surrendered to the Allied Powers at precisely the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month bringing to end “the war to end all wars.”

The war ending celebrations of 1918 gave way in 1919 to somber reflections in recognition of the heroism over the great loss of life, and gratitude for the hard fought victory. In 1948, a plaque dedicated to the fallen of both World Wars was placed at the entrance to Jefferson County Memorial Field. It bears the names of eleven local sons lost in WWI, including three men with the Anderson surname (James, Fred, and John), Edwin Bartlett, George Chadwick, Allen Clements, Richard Hill, John Hreczuck, Louie Kunz, Louis Mutty, and Samuel Putnam, and the name of local daughter Frances Voderburg (see March, 2018 article). Also engraved are the 38 names of those lost in WWII. In addition, there is a plaque located in front of the Point Hudson Gazebo House honoring the four men from Jefferson County killed in the Korean War. 

Following the Korean War cease fire in 1954, the annual day of reflection was changed to Veterans Day to honor all who fought in America’s wars. It’s now a much different day of reflection in that it honors the living as well as those we’ve lost. At Fort Worden, setting aside a day for veterans is a daily occurrence. The Front Desk frequently checks in campers who carry a Disabled Veterans Pass which provides free camping to Washington State residents who were injured during their military service. The Fort also offers special rates on housing rentals for active duty personnel. In addition, the Coast Artillery and Commanding Officers Quarters museums serve to inform the public and help retain the military history of the Fort and the stories of those who were stationed here on active duty. 

The Fort’s education partners also focus on veterans. Peninsula College, as a partner for Veterans Supportive Campuses, offers veteran priority registration to ensure military personnel have first access to G.I. Bill approved classes. The Port Townsend School of Woodworking’s curriculum includes an intensive 12-week G.I. Bill approved class in the preservation trades. 

All fifteen partners of Fort Worden State Park emphasize recreation and education and reflect the “swords to plowshares” transition of the Fort. The Public Development Authority (PDA), through the maintenance of the hundred year old buildings, promotes and preserves the military legacy of the old Army post. Also, the volunteer organization, Friends of Fort Worden, contributes time and resources to the upkeep of the fort’s network of trails. As Veterans Day approaches, it is appropriate to take a moment to reflect and recognize the commitment of our nation’s military personnel. When visiting Fort Worden, the preserved buildings and maintained trails of Artillery Hill help serve as a reminder of our veterans on a daily basis.