By Bill Reynolds
La Conner Community News

Two local cemeteries, two separate Memorial Day services, yet one common theme.

La Conner area residents braved threatening weather Monday morning to gather at the Pleasant Ridge and Swinomish cemeteries to solemnly honor the memories of deceased military veterans because, as pastor Doug York of Inspire Church cautioned, to forget their sacrifices would render us foolish.

York was one of several speakers at the Swinomish ceremony, where gravesites of departed tribal soldiers and sailors were marked with large American flags. Clearly moved by that sight, York referenced the biblical passage stressing there is no greater love than the willingness to die for one’s friends.

“Each one of these poles with flags at half-staff is a testimony of those who loved so deeply that they were willing to give their lives,” York, himself a veteran, said.

At Pleasant Ridge, the Rev. Don Robinson of La Conner United Methodist Church opened the 45-minute program with a prayer expressing gratitude for “the fallen, those who left home, to defend home, and never returned.”

At both ceremonies, living veterans were likewise recognized for their service.

“We remember with gratitude,” Robinson said, “those veterans who served, who came home different persons, some bearing the scars of their service and their separation from home, family and friends.”

“We remember those who served and came home with memories of the horrific scenes they witnessed,” Swinomish Senator Brian Porter said, adding that “the veterans in our family didn’t say much about their service. They carried that on their own.”

The U.S. Marine Corps League, as is its annual custom, raised the U.S. flag at Pleasant Ridge as spokesman Lee Schuirman of Sedro-Woolley — the son of a World War II veteran — recited from memory the long history and detailed symbolism of Old Glory.

Mike Bucy of La Conner Studio 623 performed two guitar solos that complemented Robinson’s keynote address, which focused on the importance of remembering — the great value in maintaining living memories that endure well into the future.

“Your gathering here today is keeping the story of your family, friends and neighbors alive as a living memory,” Robinson said. “Their story has a future through you. Their story continues locally, to inspire local work, and to produce local benefits.”

In his prayer, Robinson noted that in addition to remembering fallen soldiers, Memorial Day is an ideal time to reflect on the impacts of all those to whom we are indebted.

“We remember the pioneers who came to this area in hope of a new beginning,” he said. “Many who came as immigrants, leaving homeland and family, some never returning home.

“We remember our Native American brothers and sisters,” Robinson continued, “specifically those from the Swinomish Tribal Community, who have made room for others, sharing the bounty of land and sea, often at great loss and personal sacrifice.”

At Swinomish, former longtime tribal chair and two-term National Congress of American Indians President Brian Cladoosby pointed out that Native Americans have the highest per capita level of military service of all the nation’s ethnic groups.

“We’re thankful for the sacrifices of our veterans,” Cladoosby said, “and pray for those now in the service,”

Kenneth Cayou of the Swinomish Veterans Committee read the roll call of deceased and living tribal veterans, those on active duty and current armed forces reserves, a list bearing more than 125 names.

The Swinomish ceremony coincided with the 80th anniversary year of the dedication of the reservation’s John K. Bob Ballpark. Located at the intersection of Snee-Oosh and Reservation roads, the ballpark is named for a Swinomish tribal member and La Conner High School student leader killed in action during World War II while serving as a medic in Western Europe after the D-Day landings.

The Swinomish Canoe Family performed an honor song and tribal carver Kevin Paul sang “Soldier Boy,” a tribute he said was produced in the 1980s by the renowned Black Lodge Singers drum group.

“It’s a song that’s shared throughout the country and world to honor the fallen and the living,” Paul said.

The tribal program, which welcomed prayers from representatives of multiple denominations, concluded with an opportunity for all in attendance to shake hands with Swinomish veterans.

The services at Pleasant Ridge closed with brief remarks from new cemetery Commissioner Lori Buher and La Conner High student trumpeter Wes Whiteaker playing taps. A retired La Conner Schools counselor, Buher was pleased that several La Conner students attended.

“It’s great for the kids to be here and keep the legacy that Don spoke about,” she said.

Bill Reynolds is a general assignment reporter for La Conner Community News