Monday is the day set aside to honor and remember those who died in active military service.
This Memorial Day, there will be honor guards snapping to attention as flags ripple in the breeze. Amidst the green lawn and bright flowers of cemeteries throughout the state, lone buglers and mournful pipers will evoke a heartfelt tear.
On Monday, we should all take a moment, shut off our smartphones and pause from our barbecues and picnics and busy lives. Then we can use that moment to remember those who served in the military and gave their precious lives for our nation, for our way of life and for our freedom.
Whether they died a century ago or just last week, their sacrifice renews itself every single day as we, who probably never knew them, go about our daily lives as we work, play, raise our families and build our communities.
For the men and women who fell during World War I or II, in Korea, Vietnam, the Middle East or anywhere else — be they strangers, relatives or old friends — we owe them a debt of gratitude.
On Memorial Day, we should all pause to remember those who gave their all for our nation.
Several events will be held on South and Central Whidbey this year. A Memorial Day service begins at 11 a.m. at the Clinton Cemetery, 6309 Wilson Place. It includes the Daughters of the American Revolution, guest speaker and retired Navy officer David Campbell, patriotic music, the reading of veterans’ names, the Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Honor Guard and the annual raising of the flag by Boy Scout Troop 57.
In Bayview, Maj. Megan McClung Marine Corps League Detachment 1210 will host the wreath ceremony at Bayview Cemetery, located on the corner of Howard and Bayview roads. That service also begins at 11 a.m., and highlights include keynote speaker Dave Sullivan, a retired military intelligence officer, a prayer by post chaplain Darrell Wenzek and Herb Weissblum’s annual reading of his poem “Our Heroes Remembered on this Memorial Day.”
Ladies Auxiliary senior Poppy Girl Krista Drechsel will also speak, and junior Poppy Girl Cassidy Holmes will lay the wreath.
Prior to both Monday events, the annual Coupeville Memorial Day Parade will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 23. The parade begins at South Main Street and Terry Road and will go down Main Street to Front Street, up Alexander Street, turning on Coveland Street and ending at Coupeville Town Park.
A Remembrance Ceremony, a “Musical Salute to the Armed Services” and free food will follow at Coupeville Town Park.
