La Conner Weekly News - Your independent hometown award-winning newspaper

The past intersected with present and future during Memorial Day services at two local cemeteries Monday morning.

The memories of departed veterans, pioneers and tribal members were honored during separate programs at Pleasant Ridge and Swinomish cemeteries, each of which also stressed the blessings of freedoms enjoyed today and offered words of wisdom and optimism going forward.

"We remember with thanks our loved ones who are buried here," Rev. Don Robinson said in remarks at Pleasant Ridge, the oldest cemetery in Skagit County. "We remember the pioneers who came to this area in hope of a new beginning, many who came as immigrants, leaving homeland and family, many never returning home.

"We remember our Native American brothers and sisters who made room for others," he added, "sharing the bounty of land and sea, often at great loss and sacrifice."

Robinson, whose family moved to Pleasant Ridge 60 years ago, when he was nine, noted how monuments and footprints – one focused on the past, the other the future – are each present at the cemetery just east of town.

"A monument can mark an ending, a completion, a life that got this far before stopping," Robinson, a 1972 La Conner alumnus, said. "A footprint shows movement, it marks direction. We see both here. Monuments and footprints. The monuments help us to look back, the footprints help us look ahead."

Robinson also alluded to the "Road Work" signs on Best Road near Pleasant Ridge. He said the sign alerts motorists that the road is under construction and likely could be for several weeks.

"That's an apt reminder to all of us to be prepared for change," Robinson said. "There will be delays. The coming roadway will be neither smooth nor easy. We need to prepare ourselves and others for the inevitable rough path. Our footprints won't always be direct. We will need to adjust to the contours and context of our life."

Yet despite the challenges one is sure to face, Robinson said the future offers great promise as well.

"The crooked roads," he said, quoting scripture, "shall become straight, the rough ways smooth."

The Pleasant Ridge services included a ceremonial flag raising by the U.S. Marine Corps League during which a moving tribute to the history of Old Glory was shared.

Vocalist Hailey Azure Zavala sang a selection a cappella, closing with "Amazing Grace." Trumpeter Sammy Williams performed taps.

Following the program, attendees were invited to stroll the grounds and reflect upon sacrifices made by those interred. Veterans' graves were adorned with U.S. flags placed by La Conner High School students.

At Swinomish, an all-denominations ceremony was held that saluted active duty, retired and deceased veterans.

One of the main speakers, Vietnam War era veteran Doug York, asked that special remembrance be paid to those service members who were killed in action.

"They had the willingness," York said with a halting, emotional delivery, "to give their lives for the freedoms we have. These veterans were willing to put their lives on the line."

The long list of Swinomish veterans – "both on the other side and this side," as one speaker put it – was read aloud, reinforcing the tribe's strong tradition of military service. Afterward, veterans present were asked to come forward and receive handshakes and well-wishes from those in attendance.

Their ranks included Ben Sampson, son of the late Martin Sampson, best known for his 1972 book "Indians of Skagit County."

Joe McCoy also spoke. His famous 1960 trial and acquittal became an integral chapter in the reinforcement of treaty fishing rights in Washington state.

The Swinomish Canoe Family and master carver Kevin Paul performed honor songs in tribute to U.S. veterans. Those seated rose to their feet during Paul's rendition of "Soldier Boy" by the Black Lodge Singers.

Paul thanked the Canoe Family for its presentation, citing its healing power.

The Swinomish program also featured an invocation delivered by Janie Beasley, a formal welcome from Dennis Dan and the blessing of graves.

Prior to dismissal to a community luncheon at the tribal gymnasium, Lenora Cook spoke to the cross-generational importance of Memorial Day ceremonies at Swinomish.

"I remember coming here as a little girl," she said, "and every year it's as beautiful as the year before. I want to thank the Swinomish leadership for continuing this tradition. It's a beautiful service that brings us together to honor those who have served and given their lives."