By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News
Memorial Day is a time of remembrance for those who gave their lives in service to the country; a day rooted in reflection. Across Native communities, that carries added weight, as generations of Native men and women have served at high rates, answering the call to protect both land and people.
Tulalip celebrated its veterans on Monday, May 26, with gatherings held at Priest Point Cemetery and Mission Beach Cemetery, where community members came together to pay their respects. These ceremonies included the reading of the roll call of fallen soldiers, followed by a 21-gun salute. Surrounded by family, friends, and fellow veterans, the gatherings reflected on sacrifice, service, and the lasting impact of those who are no longer here.
Tulalip Veterans Coordinator, William McLean III, spoke about the day’s purpose and its meaning for the community.
“Memorial Day is a time to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and our freedom,” McLean said. “One of the best things we can do in their honor and memory is come together.”
Chairman of the Veterans Committee, David Fryberg, focused on how the day should be approached, encouraging those in attendance to think about the lives and legacies of those who served.
“Remembering today is not a day of mourning, it’s a day of remembrance of those who went on before us,” Fryberg said. “Paying the ultimate sacrifice, the ultimate unselfish sacrifice.”
Drawing on his own experience in the Marines, Fryberg spoke about the realities of service and how quickly perspective can shift once they set in.
“I joined the Marines back in 1982, and I remember I was out of shape. The Marines took care of that, training morning, noon, and night. I thought I was Superman. They taught us to run toward the gunfire,” he said.
He then shared a moment that underscored the weight of that training and the cost that comes with it.
“I remember the first day I cried. It was 1983, and I read the Stars and Stripes. I read what happened to our 116 peacekeepers who were blown up in the Beirut bombing. I lost 116 brothers in one day,” Fryberg said.
Board of Directors, Teri Gobin, spoke about the importance of continuing these traditions and ensuring that future generations understand their meaning.
“I think about my father when he was in service. I think about how we were here every year to help take care of the graves. How my cousins, aunts, and uncles would all come out to help. Now, each year it seems we have fewer and fewer people who are coming. We need the younger generations to come to these events so that they know what it’s about and the sacrifices that entail.”