Community Corner
Sumner Rainbow Girls Honor Fallen Soldiers
The Sumner Assembly of the International Order of the Rainbow Girls continues a Memorial Day tradition that has lasted for over 60 years.
Since the end of World War II in 1945, members of the International Order of the Rainbow Girls have honored veterans in a special ceremony every Memorial Day.
Today, the Sumner Rainbow Girls will continue this longstanding tradition, and will gather at the Sumner City Cemetery to remember Sumner’s fallen soldiers. The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. and all are welcome.
“As each man is called, a Rainbow Girl takes a flower and puts in on the veterans’ memorial,” said Kristi Arnold, Grand Deputy of the Pierce County Rainbow Girls.
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Arnold has been involved with the organization since she joined the Sumner Assembly as a girl. Today, her daughters carry on the Rainbow Girls tradition, with Arnold as Mother Advisor. She oversees four assemblies in the area, including Sumner.
The International Order of the Rainbow Girls is part of the Masonic Lodge and began in Sumner in 1925. The nonprofit teaches servant leadership to girls ages 11 to 20, with 34 groups throughout the state of Washington.
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“Every year we contribute thousands of dollars, and hours,” said Arnold of their volunteer work and fundraising efforts. Right now, the Rainbow Girls of Washington and Idaho are working with the Northwest Harvest Food Bank to help feed their local communities.
Through Rainbow, girls participate in activities and learn skills that develop their confidence and prepare them for their futures, focusing on building practical life tools and community leadership. According to their motto: “Rainbow gets girls ready for life.”
Each group of girls is called an 'assembly' and meets twice a month. Every July, all of the girls from Washington and Idaho come together for a three-day-long meeting. This year, the gathering is in Yakima. There, they will honor various Rainbow Girls, give reports on the year’s business and accomplishments, and “stay up late and eat lots of pizza,” said Arnold.
If anyone is interested in becoming involved with the Rainbow Girls, they can contact Kristi Arnold at (253) 279-0055. Kristi would be happy to help connect interested parties with the correct assembly.