Days of reflection & relaxation: Memorial Day weekend hums with life

Published 5:59 pm Monday, May 27, 2024

LONG BEACH PENINSULA — A weekend of leisure and remembrance washed over the Long Beach Peninsula after the annual World’s Longest Garage Sale and Memorial Day ceremonies capped late-spring festivities on Washington’s southwest coast.

World’s Longest Garage Sale

Bargain hunters by foot, car and bike filled peninsula streets last Friday, Saturday and Sunday for the World’s Longest Garage Sale, the popular annual bargain hunt that thousands partake in each year over Memorial Day Weekend.

Many of those not shopping for sales sought leisure at local parks, including the ever-popular Cape Disappointment State Park, which experienced a rush of campers over the holiday weekend that is considered the kickoff for the busy summer season.

The Ilwaco Saturday Market — now roughly a month into the season — also saw a swell of visitors from the busy weekend.

“It’s going really well,” summarized Patsy Buford as crowds marveled at her raw and polished Oregon sunstones available at her stand. Buford said business has been brisk this season at the popular port-side market.

Memorial Day

Throughout the weekend, flags were flown at half mast in honor and observance of Memorial Day, held on Monday, May 27, in honor and mourning of U.S. military personnel who died while serving the country.

Members of several veterans organizations as well as members of the U. S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary participated in the 2024 Memorial Day services held up and down the peninsula.

Dick Wallace of American Legion Don R. Grable Post No. 48, Ilwaco, served to introduce program events as they were taking place in cemeteries along the peninsula, beginning in Surfside, then Oysterville, Ocean Park and Ilwaco.

Before a moment of silence, Wallace asked those in attendance to pause and reflect the military members who gave the ultimate sacrifice, while also being mindful of the living vets who may still face daily struggles from injuries as a result of their service.

“This day is sacred for those who have gone before us, to honor the memory of those who gave their lives in the service of our country,” Wallace said.

“May the ceremonies of today deepen your reverence for our departed friends and comrades. Let us renew our pledge of loyalty to our country and its flag.”

After a silent prayer in Oysterville, Tucker Wachsmuth recited the World War I poem “In Flanders Fields,” followed by a performance of “Taps” by Ilwaco junior Ethan Shaw.