MIL2VET Memorial Day Special | Remembering the Fallen at Everett Community College follows the flow of Everett Community College’s Memorial Day event hosted by the Veteran Resource Center, bringing together veterans, students, Gold Star family members, and community leaders to honor those who gave their lives in service to this nation.

The event was organized by Erika Roybal and Mike Zuniga of the Everett Community College Veteran Resource Center, whose continued efforts help create meaningful connections between the veteran community and students on campus. This marks the second Memorial Day event chronicled by MIL2VET in partnership with the EvCC VRC.

Ryan Riley, an Army veteran, served as the master of ceremonies for the event and also participated in the raising of the colors. During the ceremony, Ryan reflected on the symbolism of the poppy, stating:

“The poppy came to represent sacrifice, remembrance, and the enduring memory of those who never returned home.”

Erika Roybal, an Army spouse, opened the ceremony by explaining the meaning and tradition behind the call for colors before the flag raising ceremony began. Mike Zuniga, a United States Marine Corps and Coast Guard veteran, helped mastermind and coordinate the event alongside the Veteran Resource Center team.

The event began with a reflection on the meaning behind the colors of the American flag followed by the raising of the colors ceremony, setting the tone for a day centered on remembrance and sacrifice.

One of the most powerful moments came from Patricia McCarty, Gold Star mother of SPC Travis Eddy, who shared both the mission of Gold Star families and the daily reality many families continue to carry long after the nation’s ceremonies end. During her remarks she stated:

“Our mission is honor, hope, and healing to those grieving loved ones to war, injury, or the battle at home.”

She also spoke about ensuring that the sacrifices of fallen service members are never forgotten and that their memories continue to be celebrated and honored.

Later in the event, Patricia shared a perspective that deeply resonated throughout the room:

“For most of the country Memorial Day is once a year. For a Gold Star family, every day is Memorial Day.”

Patricia also shared memories of who SPC Travis Eddy was beyond the uniform. She described him as someone larger than life who brought both strength and comfort to the people around him. During her remarks she reflected:

“Travis was 6-foot-4, tough, funny, and lived at the gym. When I was with him, he always kept me laughing, and I always felt like I had no reason to be afraid of anything.”

Patricia shared that she knew Travis struggled at times from experiences during his service, but she never realized the depth of what he was carrying internally. Like many military families, she only saw pieces of the battle he continued to fight after coming home.

In the days following his death, Patricia reached out to Snohomish County Veteran Service Officers searching for guidance and resources. That search ultimately connected her with Monica McNeal, President of Gold Star Families of Washington, who helped bring her into the Gold Star community during one of the darkest moments of her life.

Patricia described Monica as “a blessing in the midst of tragedy,” explaining how Monica reached out personally, helped connect her with resources, and supported her family while honoring Travis’s memory. Patricia also spoke about the bond shared between Gold Star families and veterans, explaining that there is a unique understanding between both communities whenever they come together.

Mike Cumming, President and Founder of Venture Vets, spoke about honoring sacrifice and carrying forward the memory of those who served before us. During his remarks he stated:

“Today we honor the legacies of those who have gone before us, who paid the ultimate sacrifice on the mantle of freedom.”

Mike also shared the story of James ‘Rader’ Raderstorf. He described how, before leaving Iraq, he felt what he called a still small voice deep within his soul telling him that Rader would know God. Later, Rader was shot twice during a firefight and died on the operating table at Balad Air Base, formerly known as Anaconda.

Mike spoke honestly about struggling afterward, questioning why he felt that message so strongly if his friend was going to die. Later, while escorting another soldier to Anaconda following a self-inflicted injury, he encountered the flight surgeon who had treated Rader. According to Mike, the flight surgeon shared a moment that stayed with him forever:

“Every time he woke up, he just kept saying, ‘Tell Mike I know God.’”

The event served as a reminder that Memorial Day is more than a long weekend. It is about honoring the fallen, remembering their sacrifice, and ensuring future generations understand the cost of freedom. Through stories shared by Gold Star families, veterans, and community leaders, the Everett Community College Veteran Resource Center created a space where remembrance became personal, human, and deeply real for everyone in attendance.

Never Forget. Honor the Fallen. 🇺🇸