MAY 28, 2019 – Naval Air Station Whidbey Island participated in a Memorial Day Service of Remembrance in recognition of those within the Armed Forces that have passed away in service of their country in Maple Leaf Cemetery.
Special presentations were made by the Oak Harbor High School (OHHS) Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC), OHHS chorus, and members of several veteran service organizations. Navy Capt. Matt Arny, NAS Whidbey Island commanding officer, served as a speaker for the event.
“This day is not about thanking active service members, this is a day about those we have lost,” said Arny.
The presentation of colors and the pledge of allegiance was led by retired Chief Petty Officer Aviation Structural Mechanic Bill Thiel and performed by the OHHS NJROTC, followed by an exhibition and explanation of the POW/MIA table setting.
After the presentation U.S. Congressman Rick Larsen took to the podium to speak. Larsen said Memorial Day was first observed in honoring those who died in the Civil War and has become a tradition commemorated across the United States in honor of men and woman who died in other conflicts.
Oak Harbor Mayor Robert Severns, the Master of Ceremonies, introduced each of the speakers and shared his own views.
“Our service members deserve the best care, the best treatment and the best support our nation can provide,” said Severn. “Let us remember those who died and recognize those who have served and continue to serve our Armed Forces.”
Following Severns’ speech there was a wreath-laying service by veteran service organizations consisting of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7392, American Legion Post 129, and Fleet Reserve Association Branch 97.
After the wreath-laying, retired U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Peter Hunt spoke on behalf of Lieutenants Tom Costen and Charlie Turner of VA-155, whose A-6 Intruder was shot down over Iraq during the first night of Operation Desert Storm. in 1995, an expanse of land on Ault Field was dedicated to the lieutenants, and designated as Costen-Memorial Park.
“Each of us brings an individual imprint of time and circumstances to these remembrances,” said Hunt. “Keeping the memory of those fallen fresh in our minds and hearts makes their sacrifices real.”
Thiel led the next presentation of military honors with the symbolism of the folding of the American flag. The NAS Whidbey Island Honor Guard assisted in the 13 flag folds where each fold pays tribute to those in the Armed Forces. Following the flag folding, the Navy Band Northwest played “Echo Taps” and Valeria Rocha, a Blue Star Spouse, sang “America the Beautiful”.
The Memorial Day Service of Remembrance concluded with the “The Star-Spangled Banner” sung by the OHHS Choir as a MH-60S helicopter, assigned to NAS Whidbey Island, performed a flyover with the American flag.
“Let us not forget those who gave their lives throughout our history, said Arny. “Let us not forget their families, and let us be thankful every day for what we have. Let us be especially thankful today while we enjoy this beautiful weather, our wonderful community, and our friends and family while we pause, remember and reflect today.”
Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Marc Cuenca
Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Det. Northwest