Memorial Day in the Swan Valley

A somber procession gathered on the Cold Creek Bridge in Condon to remember service members who have passed.

The 31st annual Memorial Day observance was presided over by Edward Klassen, who has facilitated the event for the last six years as the commander of American Legion Post 63 in Condon Klassen brought a small amplifier with a microphone to the bridge and read aloud a brief history of Memorial Day as a national tradition, wrapping a contemporary tribute in a retelling of the holiday's lore.

"The belief is that the date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country," Klassen read. His voice fast and shaky, the public speaking of a man who believes in the words more than his delivery.

The origins of Memorial Day are shrouded in mystery. History shows a number of celebrations claiming to be the "first", but while the initial recounts are scattered the traditions invoked are not. The graves of the fallen are adorned with flowers, and a moment of silence is observed.

In Condon, the observers come up to the microphone to name veterans for whom they wish to pay tribute. The names include grandfathers, fathers, sons and friends. Generations of those who gave their lives for an ideal of freedom, a dream of a more perfect nation.

A wreath of flowers was lifted over the bridge railing and dropped into the swiftly flowing Swan River, carrying all the Memorial Day tributes with it.

After the gathering on the bridge, the procession met again at the Swan Valley Community Hall for a holiday lunch preceded by a "21-gun" salute and the raising of the American flag.

Klassen, wearing white gloves and a formal black military shirt, presented arms and fired blank rounds into the air, which is traditional pageantry for military funerals, before helping to hoist the flag back to full mast.