Soroptimist of Federal Way and King County Councilman Pete von Reichbauer hosted the annual Flag Day Celebration on June 12 at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center. A range of local dignitaries and veterans shared their thoughts on patriotism and the military. Keynote speaker was Lt. Col. Anthony “Rick” Jimenez, whose current military assignment is as the commander of the 420th Chemical Battalion Command and commander of FEMA Region 10 CERFT, a mass casualty chemical response unit. As a member of the National Guard, he has deployed in support of Operation Joint Guardian (Kosovo) and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He has also been awarded a bronze star and 13 medals. The event also gave special recognition to select South King County hospital staff, high school personnel and graduates who have served or are serving in the United States Armed Forces. Music was performed by Thomas Jefferson High School band students.

Slideshow photos by Andy Hobbs, Federal Way Mirror