Remembering with gratitude: Community comes together at annual Pleasant Ridge Memorial Day service

Dozens gathered at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery east of La Conner on Monday morning for a Memorial Day service.

Small flags were scattered throughout the cemetery, having been placed by volunteers on the graves of veterans.

The service began with a flag folding ceremony by the Skagit Valley Marine Corps League. Lee G. Schuirman narrated, explaining the significance of each fold in the flag.

The cemetery's flag, which began at half-staff in the morning, was raised at noon.

After the folding ceremony, Schuirman offered a narration of American history through the eyes of the flag.

Schuirman, who will be 80 next month, has been performing this service at Pleasant Ridge for about 15 years.

This service was the first of several done at cemeteries throughout the county by Marine Corps League Detachment #1043.

"Today we remember with gratitude the fallen," the Rev. Don Robinson said during his sermon, which was dedicated to lost loved ones and the legacy they leave behind.

"You never know the length and depth of a person's life until they're measured at the end," Robinson said.

La Conner Studio 623 owner Mike Bucy performed music, and updates were given about various community projects in the area.

Rexville Grange President Talea Lenning invited attendees to drive down Best Road to the Grange for a reception with donuts, other treats and coffee.

Lenning provided an update on the Grange's renovations, which are funded by a community grant from Home Depot and a $50,000 grant from the state Legislature.

"There's been a lot of growth in the Grange recently," said Lori Buher, former Grange secretary.

Buher oversees the Grange's flag retirement program. At Monday's service, community members with old or worn flags were invited to drop them off at the Grange to be "retired respectfully."

Lenning said the last time the Grange had such a reception after a Pleasant Ridge Memorial Day service was at least 20 years ago.

John Christianson spoke about planned improvements to Pleasant Ridge School down Valentine Road from the cemetery. Christianson and his wife Toni purchased the school last year and are working to restore and weatherproof the building.

"It's rather sad to see it as it's declined over the years," Christianson said.

Buher gave an update on some cemetery projects and thanked those who helped the service come together.

"A special thank you to all of the veterans who are here, and thank you for your service," Buher said.

Buher will be taking the place of Robinson as a commissioner at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, though Robinson will continue to deliver the Memorial Day sermon each year.

To close out the service, taps was performed by trumpeter Wes Whiteaker from La Conner High School.

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This story was originally published May 26, 2026 at 6:05 PM.