The deafening crack of five World War I-vintage rifles firing in unison broke the hot air at the Mount Si High School stadium on Monday, May 26, as veterans Jim Posey, Ralph Freeman, Lloyd Peterson, Art Farash and Mike Busby gave a three-volley salute to the fallen.

The noon ceremony, the final one of similar reflections by members of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts at North Bend, Fall City and Preston, was held to honor the sacrifice of those who gave their all for their country — specifically, the three Vietnam soldiers, Bud Davenport, Robert Montgomery and Ronald Johnson, whose names are forever marked at the school.

“This day is sacred with the invisible presence of those who have gone before,” said Legion post commander Steve Fenton.

At the North Bend cemettery, teens Erin and Alix Parsons wandered among the graves.

Too many people, Alix said, don’t realize what Memorial Day is about.

Memorial Day helps give people a better appreciation of the sacrifices made by their countrymen, Fenton told the Record. He was glad to see young Cub, Girl and Boy Scouts taking part in the ceremonies.

“How else are they going to learn?” he asked.