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05/25/2008: "Memorial Day Parade and Commemoration"

American Legion Post Commander Karl Mueller of Friday Harbor introduced keynote speaker Richard Drury (photo left, a Post member and fellow Vietnam War Veteran, who told the crowd that when he is asked by young people “when was the Vietnam War?”, Drury said he tells them “It is every day”, for it is every day, he explained, that the war is with you.

Drury flew 220 combat missions during the war, and among his many decorations are a Silver Star for gallantry in action, five Distinguished Flying Crosses for heroism in support of troops in contact, search and rescues missions, and 21 Air Medals for meritorious achievement during combat flight missions. Drury and his wife Carol live in Friday Harbor.

Drury is the author of four books, one of which, My Secret War covers the time he spent flying combat mission in Laos and Vietnam.




San Juan Island Hacket Larson Post 163 of the American Legion stands at attention in honor of the fallen


In addition to the American Legion, the Legion Auxiliary, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, and a girl scout troop all marched in the parade and stood at attention in honor of the memorial service.














(While the rest eat and drink, there is always someone on K.P.)

Mayor Jones reads proclamation (see below) as Alex Gavora of the American Legion Auxiliary -the the largest patriotic women's service organization in the world- observes Mayor Jones read a proclamation (see below)declaring May 17th through May 26, as "Poppy Days.

There was a time when everyone knew that the red poppy handed out on and near Memorial Day was made by disbled veterans, that the contributions made were used to support those same veterans, and that to wear one was to demonstrate an appreciation that others have made for their Country.

For over 80 years, the San Juan Island Hacket Larson Post 163 of the American Legion. and town citizens have commemorated those who have died in war for the nation, with a parade and waterfront ceremony at the town’s Memorial Park.

This annual event hasn’t changed much over time. The town and island visitors turn out to watch as Veterans of World War II, the Korean and Viet Nam wars, and others more recently returned from the Middle East; Pig War re-enactors from the San Juan Island National Historical Park’s Company D; and local Boy Scouts and school children—all participate to create a touching and authentic memorial event.

The parade takes places along the first two blocks of Spring Street, but the best viewing locations are on the waterfront at Memorial Park, the first monument erected in Washington to honor those who died in WWI. For more information about this event call 360.378.5705 or visit http://www.post163.org.