Honoring our veterans: Memorial Day on Vashon

Vashon’s annual Memorial Day service took place at the Vashon Cemetery Monday, where more than 100 people turned out under warm but cloudy skies to honor soldiers who have fought and died in the service of the country.

Vashon’s annual Memorial Day service took place at the Vashon Cemetery Monday, where more than 100 people turned out under warm but cloudy skies to honor soldiers who have fought and died in the service of the country.

Boy Scout Troop 294 followed the Color Guard — from left, John Burke, Phil Mahurin, Nathan Williams and Chuck Pardee — into the cemetery, where Abbie Kranjcevich sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Representatives from several Island organizations offered colorful bouquets to be placed at the veterans’ monument at the center of the cemetery, and several said a few words about the significance of this annual event.

“A great many people have given the ultimate price,” said Jerry Williams, head of the Mark P. Waterman Masonic Lodge.

Ron Garrison, who presented a bouquet on behalf of the Vashon Eagles, noted that he’s a Marine and thus “a man of few words.” He urged those in attendance to “remember well” the soldiers who have fallen, adding, “Listen carefully. What you’re hearing right now is the sound of freedom.”

Holly Tuttle and Lou Engels played Taps.

or Guard — from left, John Burke, Phil Mahurin, Nathan Williams and Chuck Pardee — into the cemetery, where Abbie Kranjcevich sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Representatives from several Island organizations offered colorful bouquets to be placed at the veterans’ monument at the center of the cemetery, and several said a few words about the significance of this annual event.

“A great many people have given the ultimate price,” said Jerry Williams, head of the Mark P. Waterman Masonic Lodge.

Ron Garrison, who presented a bouquet on behalf of the Vashon Eagles, noted that he’s a Marine and thus “a man of few words.” He urged those in attendance to “remember well” the soldiers who have fallen, adding, “Listen carefully. What you’re hearing right now is the sound of freedom.”

Holly Tuttle and Lou Engels played Taps.