Reminder: Memorial Day observations at Vashon Cemetery and Senior Center

Prepare for Memorial Day on Vashon Island—a moment to honor the sacrifices of veterans and their families in safeguarding American liberty and democratic values. This year’s observances will take place at the Vashon Cemetery as well as the Vashon Senior Center.

Sunday

On Sunday, May 25, at 2 PM, a formal rededication ceremony for the World War II Memorial will take place at the Vashon Senior Center, situated at 1004 SW Bank Road.

The Memorial pays tribute to Thomas and Lad Bacchus, two brothers from the island who lost their lives just three months apart during World War II. The senior center’s board and team have spent more than a year revitalizing this often overlooked piece of local heritage, situated at the rear of the facility.

The re-dedication ceremony will include a color guard, veterans from the island and their family members, local officials, and guest speakers. Veterans from the island are particularly encouraged to come, together with their families. Due to limited seating, please RSVP to secure your spot by contacting the Vashon Senior Center via phone at 206-463-5173 or through email at admin@vashoncenter.org.

Monday

Join fellow community members on Monday, May 26, at 11 a.m., as they pay tribute to the country’s fallen servicemen and women during a Memorial Day ceremony at Vashon Cemetery. This poignant event takes place near the historic War Memorial, an enduring symbol that has been standing for over a hundred years. The memorial honors all those who made the ultimate sacrifice from various conflicts since 1861, encompassing the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, both World Wars, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and recent engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan. Additionally, it pays homage to the unidentified deceased heroes.

The ceremony at the graveyard on Monday will feature wreath presentations from organizations like the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Hero Quilts, Vashon Scouts, the Eagles, Masons, Rotary Club, and the Sportsmen’s Club. It will also include a brief performance by the Judd Creek Gospel Singers from Vashon.

The Scouts from Vashon's Troup 294 and Pack 275 will get ready beforehand to fulfill their annual responsibility of placing small American flags at the gravesites of nearly 700 veterans interred there. On Monday, they'll come back to take part in the color guard duties and flag presentations.

Members of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, assisted by local volunteers, will place flags in Vashon’s town center, beginning around 6 a.m. on Monday, weather permitting.

On Monday, May 26, between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM, there will be a community barbecue along with the debut of the "Giving Tree" mural at the Senior Center. People of all age groups are welcome to attend this gathering where they can listen to live performances by Riverbend, savor hot dogs and vegetarian sausages topped variously, as well as relish slices of watermelon and other delights. This event will initiate a fundraising campaign for the benefit of the Senior Center. Local artist Nan Leiter has generously contributed her skills, funds, and efforts toward designing an appealing wall mural depicting a generous Giving Tree.

Memorials

The Memorial Day weekend is likewise an opportunity to pay a visit to other veterans' memorials around Vashon.

• At the foot of the Ober Park flagpole stands a modest plaque honoring the fourteen individuals from Vashon who lost their lives in World War II.

• Agren Memorial Park is named in honor of Lieutenant Harold E. Agren, a 1932 graduate of Vashon High School. He fought the Japanese invasion of the Philippines at Corregidor and died in a Japanese prisoner of war camp at Cabanatuan.

• The Vashon Vietnam Memorial situated in Ober Park honors the twelve Vashon locals who lost their lives during the Vietnam War.

• The Robert Bennedsen Visitor’s Memorial Bench at Vashon High School, consisting of an oversized granite rock with a bronze plaque, honors Robert for his service to his nation and commemorates his passing during the war in Afghanistan.