Oak Harbor service organizations and residents gathered at Maple Leaf Cemetery on a sunny Monday morning in honor of military service members who gave their lives in the defense of the U.S.

The fifth annual Memorial Day Service of Remembrance, hosted by the Oak Harbor Lions Club and American Legion George Morris Post 129, took place at 10 a.m. May 29, with Capt. Eric Hanks, the commanding officer of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, as the keynote speaker.

“Our nation’s greatness and freedoms lie on the shoulders of past, present and future military service members,” Hanks said.

The ceremony included a number of musical performances; a presentation of the colors by Oak Harbor High School NJROTC, ORION Sea Cadets, and Sons of the American Revolution; a traditional Veterans of Foreign Wars, Legion and Fleet wreath-laying ceremony; a demonstration by the NJROTC armed drill team; and speeches from state and federal elected officials representing Whidbey Island.

“Today we all honor and remember the women and men who died in uniform and recognize the commitment the U.S. has made to those who serve and continue to serve in our nation’s armed forces,” U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen said.

The traditional service lasted until just before noon and concluded with a flyover by a Navy Search and Rescue helicopter.

“As you lay eyes on the American flag, which is so prominently displayed today, be proud of what it represents — our freedom — and never forget the irreplaceable lives that have been sacrificed while defending and preserving that freedom,” Hanks said.

Other services and events took place in Coupeville, Bayview, Langley and Clinton.

Photo by Karina Andrew/Whidbey News-Times A member of the crowd at an Oak Harbor Memorial Day service salutes the flag.

Photo by Karina Andrew/Whidbey News-Times Whidbey residents gather at a Memorial Day Service of Remembrance at Maple Leaf Cemetery May 29.

Photo by Karina Andrew/Whidbey News-Times Whidbey residents gather at a Memorial Day Service of Remembrance at Maple Leaf Cemetery May 29.

Photo by Karina Andrew/Whidbey News-Times Capt. Eric Hanks speaks at Maple Leaf Cemetery on Memorial Day.

Photo by Karina Andrew/Whidbey News-Times An NAS Whidbey Island Search and Rescue helicopter executes a flyover at the conclusion of the Service of Remembrance on Memorial Day.

Photo by Karina Andrew/Whidbey News-Times An NAS Whidbey Island Search and Rescue helicopter executes a flyover at the conclusion of the Service of Remembrance on Memorial Day.