Marines present Memorial Day salute

The annual Memorial Day tribute to honor the fallen men and women of war takes place at 11 a.m., Monday, May 27 at Bayview Cemetery.

Guest speaker Frank Thornton and 21-gun salute will be part of the ceremony provided by members of Detachment 1451, Colonel Richard “Buck” Francisco Marine Corps League South Whidbey, said Ed Donery, a Marine who fought in Vietnam in 1965 and 1966.

The cemetery is just south of Highway 525 at Bayview and Howard roads; the public is welcome to attend.

He said it means a lot to his fellow veterans when people attend Memorial Day ceremonies or thank them for their service.

“It pulls on the strings of the heart when people are willing to come to an event to show their patriotism and their love for the country and support for the veterans.”

Additionally, Marines will be collecting donations over the weekend at Bayview’s Goose Grocer and Payless Foods in Freeland as they give away red roses, the flower for fallen soldiers.

At the Clinton Cemetery next to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, a Memorial Day tribute, 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. Monday, May 27, includes speakers, reading of veterans’ names, local Boy Scouts, Daughters of the American Revolution and patriotic singing.