Gold Star mother speaks at Memorial Day ceremony at Fort Vancouver

Memorial Day has a number of meanings for Meredith McMackin, whose son U.S. Marine Cpl. Julian M. Woodall was killed in 2007 while serving in Iraq. His memorial that year took place a few days before the holiday.

“It’s meaning to me has changed a lot over the years. To be honest, it’s a pretty hard day,” McMackin said. “Those anniversary and special days are always hard, but important too. What I realize now is the gift that so many have given us through their service.”

McMackin spoke Monday at the 2019 Memorial Day service at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. A common theme throughout the ceremony at the park’s bandstand — with hundreds of people in attendance, including other Gold Star family members — was honoring those who have died from combat outside of their memorials or the annual holiday.

McMackin was the first Gold Star mother to speak at the annual local ceremony, said Larry Smith of the Community Military Appreciation Committee, which organized the event. The committee has been unsure whether asking a Gold Star family member to speak would be “the right thing to do,” but McMackin — a member of the committee– agreed so she could discuss the holiday’s meaning, Smith said.

McMackin referenced a saying from Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, a national nonprofit organization that works with grieving military families: Remember the love, celebrate the life, share the journey.

“So, to me, that’s how I think to think about the purpose of Memorial Day — to remember our loved ones and those who gave their lives and service, to celebrate their lives by finding a way to serve in their honor and to share the dream by helping each other,” McMackin said.

Woodall died inside a vehicle patrolling in Iraq’s Anbar Province that hit an improvised explosive device. McMackin said she floundered in the years that followed.

“I never dreamed I would have such an experience in my life,” McMackin said. “You know, everyone reacts differently to trauma and loss.”

But she made her way to Florida State University, where she volunteered with student veterans. Combining a passion for art with a desire to give back, McMackin returned to school and earned a master’s degree in art therapy and a Ph.D. in art education.

Now, she is an art therapist and mental health counselor in Camas.

“The thought that kept coming back to me was, ‘What can I do to bring more peace to this planet?'” McMackin said. “I literally had one of those lightbulb moments when I realized, ‘Of course, art therapy.’ And I suddenly realized that using art to help veterans heal was the way that I could help bring more peace to this world.”

Vancouver Police Officer Rey Reynolds, prior to singing the national anthem toward the beginning of the ceremony, recognized the Gold Star families and Richard Alvarez, a Vietnam War veteran and active member of the military appreciation committee who died in December. Right after McMackin spoke, he returned to the front of the band stage, which was wrapped with photos of Clark County service members who have died, to sing “God Bless the USA.” Before the song, an emotional Reynolds, who has several children in the military, offered a few unscripted remarks.

“We as a people, we as Americans, have nothing to be ashamed of. You be proud of who you are, the sacrifices that have been made so that you can sit in this audience right now,” Reynolds said. “From these young Marines to the soldiers that are here now, to the airmen, we owe you a great debt, and I want to thank you.”

Clark County Councilor Gary Medvigy gave the keynote address. Medvigy served in the active and reserve U.S. Army for 33 years and retired in 2016 as a major general. His awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, four Legion of Merit Medals, the Bronze Star Medal and four Meritorious Service Medals.

“This is a day to reflect on our Gold Star families, their sacrifice. It is a day that we remember and will vow to never forget,” Medvigy said. “We spend time with our families over this long weekend, it’s a cherished time in America and it should be. But those who are here today understand Memorial Day. We understand that the joys of liberty are purchased by the sacrifices of those who serve a cause greater than themselves — men and women who love freedom so much that they are prepared to give their very life to preserve it.”

Attendees had a number of reactions to Monday’s proceedings. Some called out the battle cry “hooah” after the national anthem, hugs were exchanged during the playing of “Echo Taps” and the crowd started singing with Reynolds partway through “God Bless the USA.”

The crowd also gave McMackin a standing ovation.

“Although I know my son didn’t want to die, he made the commitment that all military service members make when they go into combat, to give their lives if need be,” McMackin said. “Julian has given me such inspiration, and a passion and sense of direction, that I never had before. I have found a new purpose in life thanks to his gift.”