John K. Bob flag and medals return to Swinomish

World War II veteran John K. Bob was honored by his Swinomish tribe with a retirement ceremony for a special American flag and his war medals at a dedication at the Swinomish Social services building Dec. 7. Veterans from all over the region were asked to participate at the request of John K. Bob’s family. This ceremony marked the seventieth anniversary of Bob’s return home and paid tribute of this fallen WWII war hero and was attended by over 200 people.

Bob enlisted in 1942 while still a senior at La Conner High School. Though, unfortunately he did not make it home, he, like others, have never been forgotten. He was originally buried in Belgium, but his remains were returned to his Swinomish tribal homelands in 1947.

The morning ceremony started with a 21-gun salute outside of the Swinomish Social services building. Uniformed Veterans (tribal and non-tribal) stretched shoulder to shoulder the length of the building’s parking lot. On command, the air was filled with rifle rounds and the trumpet sound of “Taps” being played. Traditional tribal songs sung by the Swinomish Canoe family were shared then and throughout the event.

When the ceremony moved inside the building, stories and history from Bob’s WWII deployment to France and Germany were told. Swinomish Tribal Chairman Brian Cladoosby shared an emotional narrative that emphasized the role Bob played as an unarmed Army medic who bravely died saving lives.

With a standing room only audience watching and listening quietly, Veterans that were present were gifted with blankets and thanked for their service. Once that work was done, the Veterans lined up for a special procession, to honor this brave, fallen soldier.

Active duty soldier U.S. Army PFC Antonio Rivera, was selected to carry a photo of Bob to a special chair set up on the middle of the building’s floor. Each service person stopped in front of the unveiled photo and saluted the fallen soldier’s picture. Two participants of the procession unfurled the 48 starred American flag and walked around the audience so everyone present could gaze upon it and place their own blessings and prayers upon it. They stopped in front of his family one last time. His family members tearfully nodded their head in approval, as the flag was folded up into a traditional triangle.

His family felt it was important to return the flag that once draped his casket, along with his Purple Heart and Silver Star medals, back to the Swinomish Tribe and Veteran’s committee. According to Theresa Trebon, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Tribal archivist, “These items now rest in the Swinomish Tribal archive so that future generations will learn and understand more about the historical significance of this era.”

Trebon helped plan this ceremony. She also put together a book commemorating Bob’s life and his WWII service. This book was given to the family and the stories in it will be shared for generations to come. According to Trebon, “It highlights the ultimate sacrifice he made while serving to protect the United States. This book was given to the family and the stories in it will be shared for generations to come.”

A ceremony at La Conner High School in November honored Bob, presenting his high school diploma to his family. Bob was also recognized at a ceremony of a new arch, the entryway of the John K. Bob Ballpark, on the Swinomish Reservation in 2011.