Invoking scripture and the diversity of religion, Governor Christine Gregoire urged the audience at a Memorial Day ceremony Monday at Tahoma National Cemetery to acknowledge the sacrifices of those who gave their life for their country.

“As it’s written in the Gospel of John,” Gregoire said, “‘Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.’”

The governor, one of the featured speakers during the ceremony, noted that “our fallen soldiers have come from all ethnic backgrounds and religions. Latinos, African-Americans, Asian-Pacific-Islanders, and Native Americans; Christians, Jews, Buddhists and Muslims. People who have faced discrimination at home but have answered the call of duty to protect our freedom.”

Gregoire, whose husband served in the Vietnam War, called on the public to “recognize the heroism of those who served our country and didn’t make it home.” The men and women “served with courage, commitment and devotion,” she said.