Shelvy Daffron Memorial
Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony

After Shelvy Daffron was murdered during the 1934 Great West Coast Waterfront Strike, Members of Seattle's ILA Local 38-12 and after 1937 Members from Seattle ILWU Local 19 would gather at the Washelli Cemetery where Shelvy Daffron is buried. They would have a solemn ceremony to remember our fallen brother by laying a wreath at his grave. The wreath with its circular shape has no beginning or end, and represents the unending nature of life.

This ceremony was in addition to the annual Bloody Thursday Memorial Picnic held every July 5th to remember our fallen brothers up and down the coast who were murdered trying to defend their Union and the right to strike. 

After the wreath laying ceremony at the cemetery the Members would then take the wreath out on Elliott Bay and then throw it into the water as a remembrance to our departed brother. This tradition still continues to this day.

Photos of the Wreath Laying Ceremonies

Shelvy Daffron Memorial

Bloody Thursday - What it Means

The 1976 Ceremony which was published in the ILWU's Dispatcher - Photo by Earl George