In Honor of our Veterans

Hamm Creek exists in Seattle as an oasis of green, surrounded by power lines and freeways. It does not offer woods or canyons but carries its own quiet beauty, sustained by its value to the wildlife of the area. For John Beal, a Vietnam veteran dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder, this greenspace was both a calming retreat and a cause to rally behind.  Thanks to his efforts, miles of streambed are now healthier and volunteers are determined that it stay that way. Thirty-five years later this green space is beginning to thrive as a home to a diverse ecosystem of salmon, beaver, herons and eagles.

Last Thursday was Veterans Day, and 45 volunteers- both veterans and civilians- gathered together at Hamm Creek to honor John Beal and all the veterans who serve our country every day.  By working to ensure that the creek bed remains healthy and available to local residents, the volunteers again reinforced the value of community that our nation’s veterans fight daily to protect.

Sierra Club was joined in hosting this event by Veterans Conservation Corps, Earth Corps, and Americorps, as one of 20 cost-to-coast signature service projects of the Service Nation “Mission Serve” initiative.  First launched by First Lady Michelle Obama, Dr. Jill Biden and Mrs. Alma Powell on Veterans Day 2009, Mission Serve encourages veterans and civilians to join together in service on Veterans Day.  At the Seattle event, Mayor Michael McGinn joined Liana and Bob Beal, children of the late John Beal, and many other speakers in reminding those gathered of the power of this day.

Hamm Creek is a testament to the power of service and provided a powerful opportunity for civilians and veterans to join together in honoring the day.  Though John Beal passed away in 2006, his legacy- and that of all veterans- lives on with every effort made to strengthen and support our communities.  Sierra Club is proud to have been a part of this moving effort.

Photo: Bob Beal removes invasive plants at Hamm Creek