Islanders commemorated and mourned U.S. service members — including locals Tom and Douglas “Ladd” Bacchus — at events across Vashon last weekend, attended by throngs of veterans and non-veterans alike.

The Vashon Senior Center unveiled its restored memorial to the Bacchus brothers and other veterans of World Wat II on Sunday, May 25, to a crowd of about 100 people.

The Bacchus family sent four sons to war, but, as the war neared its end, only two returned.

Thomas, a naval lieutenant, was flying Hellcat fighters in the Philippines when he was shot down in November 1944, saluting farewell to his wingmate as his plane fell. Only two months later, Douglas “Ladd”, a 2nd Lieutenant in training as a bombardier in Texas, died when his plane crashed in the Oregon mountains on a ride home for leave.

Donald, an Army sergeant who fought in Italy, returned to the United States, and Sydney, the youngest, who had just joined the Navy, was reassigned to Sand Point Naval Air Station in Seattle to complete his training.

Father and mother Gus and Caroline and brothers Don and Sid Bacchus built the memorial garden, which was the first WWII memorial erected in King County. But it’s been neglected for years, obscured by a storage shed. The brickwork and the title mosaic needed restoration, too. “All of this was completely overgrown,” said Senior Center Executive Director Maria Glanz.

Sunday’s event unveiled the transformed space. Now new paver stones, a gazebo (paid for by an anonymous donation) and bright flowers welcome visitors to the Bacchus brothers’ memorial. Cleverly, the shed has been moved around the corner from the memorial, still accessible but out of the way.

Speakers reflected on the value of the memorial, made possible by the Beardsley Family Foundation, Ann Stewart Linsley, treasurer of the Senior Center board, and the Senior Center.

“These young men were born 100 years ago, but to me, they’re alive in my heart today,” said Linsley. “I’m so grateful for all of the help that I got from the community, the board. … When we first got the pavers in, I had tears in my eyes.”

“That’s a really important thing to do, having a place to remember and contemplate the kinds of things that we had to do to make our country what it is today,” said Heidi Pierson, director of the Lewis Army Museum. “Not only is it a place for remembrance, but it’s a place for learning. If we don’t have places like this, how will we tell our children about what happened in the past and the sacrifices of those who came before us?”

The next day — Monday, Memorial Day — more than 150 people attended the annual commemoration at Vashon Cemetery, where more than 650 soldiers are buried. Speakers stood in front of the stone war memorial, unveiled in 1921 to honor those who have fallen in conflicts dating back to 1861.

“Rather than stand by at the site of injustice and wait for someone else to act, these brave men and women decided to step forward and uphold our way of life,” said Mickey Fontaine of Boy Scouts Troop 294. “Some gave their time, others their skills, others their lives for a higher purpose. Such bravery and faith for this country is a virtue we should all aspire to, regardless of creed or origin.”

Moderator Roy Bumgarner noted that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, and the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. “This year, the weight of history feels particularly profound,” he said.

“Memorial Day … evokes images of flags flying proudly, solemn ceremonies and moments of quiet reflection,” Bumgarner said. “It is a day etched into our nation’s conscience, a designated time to remember and honor the men and women from all generations who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.”

The Judd Creek Gospel Singers riveted the audience with performances including “Down to the River to Pray,” “America the Beautiful” and “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.”

Both events saw stirring performances from Utisah Durahim, who delivered the national anthem, and bagpiper John Dally. Rob Mosley and Vince Young performed Taps at the Senior Center and Cemetery events, respectively, and both events saw the assistance of local veterans and Scouts Troop 294.

Around 100 people attended the memorial rededication ceremony Sunday at the Vashon Senior Center. (Alex Bruell photo)

Brigadier General Joe Ulatoski speaks at the Senior Center memorial rededication. (Alex Bruell photo)

Bagpiper John Dally performed at both ceremonies over the weekend. (Alex Bruell photo)

Utisah Durahim delivered tremendous performances of the national anthem on Sunday and Monday. (Alex Bruell photo)

The Judd Creek Gospel Singers riveted the audience on Monday, Memorial Day. (Alex Bruell photo)

Roy Bumgarner, speaking at Vashon Cemetery on Monday, called Memorial Day “a designated time to remember and honor the men and women from all generations who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.” (Alex Bruell photo)