Vashon’s Memorial Day ceremony, moderated by island veteran Mike Mattingly, focused on World War II veterans this year.

The Memorial Day address was given by 91-year-old Maj. John Croan, Ret, who spoke amusingly as well as tearfully about his own experience as a young Army Air Corps volunteer.

Guests of honor included World War II and Korean War veterans who were introduced at the beginning of the program.

Lisa Devereau spoke about the Vashon citizens of Japanese ancestry, who were removed from their homes in 1942 and sent to concentration camps throughout the western United States and the many who volunteered out of the camps to serve in combat in the 442nd.

The program concluded with bagpipes performed by John Dally and taps played by Barry Cooper.