Local cemeteries honor veterans on Memorial Day

Warm weather, warm memories.

It was a perfect combination for those who gathered at La Conner area cemeteries on Memorial Day to honor deceased veterans and departed loved ones.

A large sun-splashed crowd at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery was greeted by Rev. Don Robinson, who said the occasion was an opportunity to embrace both the past and future.

“We look back with gratitude,” he said, “for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. We’ve inherited much and have much for which to be grateful.

“We can also look ahead,” added Robinson, a La Conner High alum, “to the legacy and inheritance we can leave behind.”

Robinson drew from the Book of Psalms for his twin messages of appreciation and inspiration.

He stressed the service of America’s veterans.

“We give thanks,” Robinson said, “to those who served their country well and gave their lives for people they never knew.”

Robinson was preceded by members of the U.S. Marine Corps League, one of whom told the story of the American flag, noting that each fold as it is retired represents a significant moral value.

The end result, they said, when the flag is completely folded and tucked, is the shape of an 18th century cocked hat, reminiscent of the soldiers who served under George Washington and the sailors and marines who served under John Paul Jones in the American Revolution.

Youth was also served on this day.

La Conner students Aubree Jolly and Alex Dowrey played key roles during the briskly-paced Pleasant Ridge ceremony. Jolly performed an inspiring vocal solo. Dowrey played Taps at the end of the service.

Those attending were invited to meet thereafter at the historic Pleasant Ridge Schoolhouse, which has been purchased by the Cemetery District.

New Pleasant Ridge Cemetery Commissioner Tim Goodman said a fundraising drive is in place to restore the building as a community hall and site for memorial events.

“Our goal now,” said Goodman, who has replaced retired Commissioner Gail Thulen on the three-member panel, “is to slow or stop the decay of that building.”

Goodman noted that he has big shoes to fill in replacing Thulen, who he said served 32 years on the Commission.

Goodman took the first steps toward doing so by placing a ceremonial Memorial Day wreath near the cemetery’s entrance.

American flags were also placed at the gravestones of U.S. veterans prior to Memorial Day services at the Swinomish Tribal Community Cemetery.

The names of 78 deceased Tribal soldiers and sailors were read aloud during the often emotional hour-long program, which included a prayer offered in both English and Lushootseed by Swinomish veteran and La Conner School Board Director Janie Edwards Beasley.

Surviving veterans were called forward to receive handshakes from the audience.

One of those veterans, Ray K. Williams, served as master of ceremonies.

“I’m proud to be an American,” Williams said. “I’m proud to be a Native American. And I’m proud to be a Native American veteran. If I had to do it all over again, I would.”

Tribal Senator J.J. Wilbur stressed the strong tradition of military service on Swinomish Reservation.

“We’re taught here to be of service to our elders, to the youth and to the community,” Wilbur said. “There are many forms of service. But when you think about our veterans, that’s the ultimate form of service, being willing to give their lives so that we can carry on with ours.”

Swinomish Senate Vice-Chairman Brian Porter echoed those sentiments.

“It’s an honor to be here,” he said, “to remember the sacrifices made by our veterans and be thankful for our veterans who are here today.”

A special guest speaker at Swinomish was Lummi Tribal Council member Nick Lewis, a nephew of fallen World War II veteran John K. Bob, for whom the Swinomish baseball and softball complex is named.

“This,” he said, sharing the theme voiced by Robinson, “is a day to be thankful and grateful for all that our veterans have done. We honor our brothers and sisters here in this sacred ground.”

Swinomish Senator Barb James likewise spoke for those who took in local Memorial Day services, some of whom attended at both cemeteries.

“As I look at the generations of men and women who have served and how we are all interconnected,” she said, “my heart is overwhelmed.”