Lest We Forget

It was a simple, modest ceremony. As far as I know, all of the dozen or so veterans taking part in the Grand View Cemetery event were veterans of World War II, but there could very well have been veterans from subsequent wars in the crowd of about 50. American Legion Causland Post #13 Adjutant John Turner spoke briefly, followed by Dr. Bud Strom. Strom, who noted that he served in a non-combatant post during World War II, made reference to a television special about the Washington, D.C. ceremony dedicating a WWII monument. Three times Strom mentioned the phrase: “Lest we forget.” Post Chaplain Gary Walter read a prayer. Many saluted as a recording of “Taps” was played. Bill Taylor placed flowers at the base of a flagpole. Many of those gathered for the ceremony extended thanks to Turner, Strom and others, then the crowd broke up, some heading to different parts of the cemetery to pay their respects at the graves of family and friends. On the way to my car I saw fresh flowers, a small plastic flag and a metal flag on a marker. It was the burial site of Jones A. Turner, a U.S. Marine who served in World War II and died in 1952. Pictured here are Strom greeting Turner; VFW and Legion members preparing for the ceremony; Past VFW Commander Keith LaRue listening as Legion Chaplain Gary Walter reads a prayer; Legion Post #13 Commander Stan Jewell bearing the post flag. Two local veterans who died last year were honored: Curly Main and Richard Rocanello. For a complete list of Anacortes residents who served during World War II, go to http://www.rootsweb.com/~waskagit/anacortesww2.html