Volunteering to remember: Washington State Fallen Heroes Project brings community together to honor fallen service members

By Rachel Friederich, Serve Washington Communications

SPOKANE--A Spokane-based nonprofit is making a lasting impact by ensuring that fallen military service members from Washington state are remembered and honored. The Washington State Fallen Heroes Project, WAFHP, is dedicated to preserving the legacies of U.S. military personnel who have died in service or as a result of their service Sept. 11, 2001.

A mother's mission becomes a statewide tribute

WAFHP began in 2007, following the death of Marine Cpl. Darrel Morris in Iraq. His mother, Kim Cole, a longtime Spokane resident, wanted to find a meaningful way to honor her son's memory. When she attended an event for surviving family members, she brought a large banner featuring her son's image.

"She wanted people to know who her son was and wanted them to remember him," said Keirsten Lyons, Director of WAFHP.

Inspired by this moment, Cole set out to create a way for all families who had lost a loved one in military service to have a similar tribute. Over the years, WAFHP sponsored banners to honor the fallen. Today, more than 350 banners have been created and are displayed at local businesses, carried in parades, and featured in events across Washington State.

More than banners: A commitment to remembrance

While the banners remain one of WAFHP's core projects, the organization has expanded its efforts to include other forms of tribute and support. One of them is the Illuminating Courage Memorial at the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena. This lighted monument features granite plaques inscribed with the names of fallen service members, serving as a permanent place of reflection for families and the community.

In addition to physical memorials, WAFHP hosts annual events to bring people together in remembrance and support. One such event is the March for the Fallen, held every September on the Saturday closest to 9/11 at Riverside State Park. This gathering includes 5K, 10K, and 15K walk/run options, followed by a community barbecue and military-themed displays, allowing people to participate in an active and communal way of honoring the fallen.

WAFHP also recognizes that grief is a lifelong journey, and it fosters an environment of healing through outreach projects like the Heroes Garden, Heroes Dinners and more. These gatherings provide a safe space for families of fallen service members to share their experiences and find support among others who understand their loss.

A community of volunteers making a difference

The strength of WAFHP lies in its volunteers, many of whom are family members of fallen service members, Lyons says, while others are simply people moved by the organization's mission and are eager to help.

""The Washington State Fallen Heroes Project is a lifeline for many of us and not only does it help ensure our loved ones are honored and remembered, it provides the support we all need at any given time," Lyons said. "A lot of our volunteers are family members who have lost someone, but there are just as many who just want to get involved. When they do, it's like a warm hug that says our service members' lives mattered, and they will not be forgotten."

Learn more about the Washington State Fallen Heroes Project

Visit their website: https://www.wafhp.org/

Follow them on social media: https://www.facebook.com/WAFallenHeroesProject/