When a Town Remembers: Coupeville Memorial Day Parade

Posted in Community, More Stories, Photo essay

TEXT BY MADISUN ELIZABETH
PHOTOS BY DAVID STERN AND MADISUN ELIZABETH
Whidbey Life Magazine Contributors
May 30, 2016

On Saturday, May 28, the town of Coupeville remembered the greatest sacrifices made by fallen heroes. To honor these sacrifices, the community marched in the streets in celebration of freedom at the Memorial Day Parade.

Heroic survivors lead the parade, followed by passionate tributes and vibrant local color in a procession across the town to a community picnic in Town Park. During the picnic, the Coupeville Lions Club served a seemingly endless amount of complimentary hot dogs and ice cream bars while families enjoyed a musical salute to the Armed Forces and the nearby playground bustled with youthful energy.

Mayor Molly Hughes lead a Remembrance Service, with a keynote speech by Captain Geoffrey Moore, new commanding officer at Whidbey Island’s Naval Air Station.

 

1 WCP - Memorial Day Sign - MD#1 (1 of 1)

The Coupeville Memorial Day Parade took place on Saturday, May 28 during Memorial Day weekend.

2 WCP - Marine Corp Float MD#2 (1 of 1)
Veterans of the Marine Corps League proudly represented fallen heroes at the head of the Memorial Day Parade.

3 WCP - Pearl Harbor Survivor - MD#3 (1 of 1)
Pearl Harbor Survivor John Hunting of the US ARMY was joined by many other local Veterans at the head of the Memorial Day Parade in Coupeville.

4 WCP - Marching Lion - MD#4 (1 of 1)
Many generations of The Coupeville Lions Club participated in the march across town in honor of Memorial Day.

5 WCP - Kids Getting Candy - MD#5 (1 of 1)
There was inspirational joy during the Memorial Day Parade as candy was tossed into the streets, while smiles were shared by all-ages.

6 WCP - Orca Attacking Salmon - #6 (1 of 1)
While the mood was respectful, there was still lighthearted fun to be had at the Memorial Day Parade.

7 WCP - Classic Cars - #7 (1 of 1)
A cavalcade of Classic Cars cruised through Coupeville in honor of Memorial Day. Many of the drivers are Veterans.

8 WCP - Fire Dept Vets - #8 (1 of 1)
Whidbey’s bravest marched alongside the community for whom they have dedicated their service.

9 WCP - Jacket with Patches - #9 (1 of 1)
A view from the back: veterans and young family members lined the Memorial Day Parade route as spectators.

10 WCP - Mayor Molly and Captain - #10 (1 of 1)
A powerful Remembrance Service with Mayor Molly Hughes and Captain Geoffrey Moore followed the Parade.

11 WCP - ROTC students - #11 (1 of 1)
Young community members are proud to represent the Armed Forces.

12 WCP - Empty Bottles - #12 (1 of 1)
The Coupeville Lions Club served complimentary hot dogs and ice cream bars to the whole community following the Memorial Day Parade in Coupeville.

Whidbey Custom Photography is a married duo of local photographers who believe in capturing the custom community that surrounds us. David Stern and Madisun Elizabeth use artistic approaches to showcase real life on Whidbey Island, which can be both industrial and romantic. In addition to event photography, they provide a variety of professional production services. Learn more about what they do at www.WhidbeyCustomPhotography.com and find Whidbey Custom Photography on Facebook for more of their photos.

The couple is grateful to Whidbey Life Magazine for supporting them as local contributors.

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