MARYSVILLE — As Marysville American Legion Post 178 again invites the community to take part in its Memorial Day commemorations on Monday, May 26, Post Cmdr. Jeremiah Fort asked citizens to consider what they would be willing to do to protect their way of life.
“Are you willing to say goodbye to your family, not knowing when or if you’ll return?” Fort asked. “Will you wipe away the tears from your spouse’s eyes and tell them, ‘I love you. I’ll be all right. Don’t worry about me’? The men and women we honor did those things. They left their families and friends behind on their final journey to Post Everlasting, while defending the rights and freedoms that we know and love.”
The Marysville Cemetery at 8801 State Ave. will serve as the site of the Legion’s public ceremony from 11-11:30 a.m., and will feature the Marysville-Pilchuck High School Band, Naval Junior ROTC Color Guard and Honor Guard.
Post Vice Cmdr. Jennifer Smolen reported that Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring, who attended last year’s ceremony, will speak at this year’s event.
“He was really touched by last year’s ceremony, and we’re glad to have him participate this year,” said Smolen, who expects Nehring will recognize local fallen service members in his remarks.
Last year’s Memorial Day ceremony drew close to 500 attendees to the Marysville Cemetery, around 100 more than the previous year, so cemetery officials have been exploring the possible need for a tent to cover this year’s audience.
“It seems to have grown continuously over the past several years, so we anticipate that trend will continue,” Smolen said. “We’re just pleased for the opportunity to share this ceremony with so many of our neighbors.”
Following the half-hour ceremony, the public is also invited to join veterans and active-duty military members for a free meal and open house at the Post 178 Hall at 119 Cedar Ave. from noon to 2 p.m.
Fort called upon his fellow Americans to remember the 1.33 million of their countrymen who gave their lives in defense of the United States and its Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. He then explained why the Constitution deserves that commitment.
“It’s the foundation for what our country is built upon,” said Fort, before he repeated Calvin Coolidge’s quote that “the nation which forgets its defenders will soon be forgotten.” “Every single freedom and right that you enjoy on a daily basis is guaranteed in this document. Throughout history, our service members have continued to give their lives protecting what so many take for granted, and have no realization of the true cost of their freedom.”
For more information, call 360-722-7825, email american.legion.post178@gmail.com, or log onto http://americanlegion178wa.cfsites.org or www.facebook.com/pages/American-Legion-Post-178-Marysville-WA.
