King County honors local service in the “War to End all Wars”

From left: Russell Greaby, Marcie Sanders, Dwight Stevens, ?, Phyllis Moll,
Councilmember Rod Dembowski, Ray Coffey, ???
Veterans from County Council District 1
Photo courtesy King County

100 years ago April 2, President Woodrow Wilson sought a declaration of war to join our allies fighting in the Great War, now known as World War One. In recognition of this moment in history and in memory of the King County and City of Seattle employees who then left their families, jobs, and lives to serve our nation, King County Council Vice Chairs Reagan Dunn and Rod Dembowski unveiled two refurbished bronze plaques at the entrance of the King County Courthouse.

“As the son of a Korean War combat Veteran, I am personally committed to ensuring we honor the sacrifices of all who have served our nation, including the more than 120,000 veterans who call King County home,” said Dembowski. 

“I am proud to partner with Councilmember Dunn to honor the legacy of the brave men and women who fought to safeguard the world 100 years ago.”

During the war, more than 60,000 residents of Washington served in the Army, Navy, Marines or Coast Guard including more than 500 employees of Seattle and King County government.

Before and after shots of the Honor Roll King County
Photo courtesy King County

In 1931, King County and the City of Seattle affixed bronze plaques entitled “Honor Roll of County Employees” and “Honor Roll of City Employees” at the entrance to the County-City Building — now the King County Courthouse —to honor the service of these brave men and women.

Time and weathering left the plaques in need of repair, so Dunn and Dembowski advocated for funds to restore these pieces of local history. Today’s ceremony rededicated the newly restored plaques so that they may serve as a reminder of service for many years to come.

“It’s an honor to able to take part in events like these especially for veterans of WWI and WWII who led the way,” said Al Zarb of Enumclaw’s VFW Post Hall 1949. “There’s not many of those veterans left and their story must continue to be told.”

Refurbished Honor Roll City of Seattle
Photo courtesy King County

Shoreline Vet Dwight Stevens, Jr. is the son of a Veteran who served in WWI. He said the new plaques are a reminder to all of the service and sacrifice of those who answered their nation’s call a century ago.

“This is a marvelous remembrance of the people who laid down their tools and went to war,” he said. “We honor their memory and their service”

To see the newly rededicated plaques, visit the 4th Avenue entrance to the King County Courthouse (516 3rd Ave). The memorial is located on the 4th Avenue side of the building between James and Jefferson streets.