ARLINGTON – The number of World War II veterans is dwindling.

The Arlington area has lost three just in the past six months, said Craig Christianson, who drove the truck carrying the vets in the Memorial Day Parade in Arlington May 30.

Craig said his dad, former mayor Howard Christianson, started that tradition 16 years ago to honor those veterans. But so many have died over the years it is now open to other vets, too.

Jared Dickson, who turned 95 May 31, and Julius Dykus were the World War II vets who showed up. Dykus said he once was stationed at the Arlington Airport. Dickson’s daughter, Ellen, said her dad has stayed so healthy by being “so active so long.”

Hundreds of people lined Olympic Avenue on the sunny day to watch the parade.

The Arlington High School band marched and performed patriotic military songs. Boy, Girl and Cub scout troops also participated.

Following was a ceremony at the Arlington ceremony.

In Marysville, hundreds of people turned out at the Marysville Cemetery for a short ceremony. An open house at the American Legion Post 178 followed.

Post Cmdr. Jim Sewell welcomed the crowd, cadet Theresa Ambat sang the national anthem and Post chaplain Ken Cage gave the opening and closing prayers.

After a short POW/MIA ceremony, the honor guard gave a rifle salute, followed by taps.

John Rants directed the Marysville-Pilchuck band in patriotic songs. M-P’s NJROTC participated in the honor and color guards.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring was the guest speaker.

He said he was honored and glad to see so many people there. He said there is no better day for a community to gather together. He especially applauded the young people in the audience.

Getting to his speech, he thanked all who have served and are still serving in the military. He recalled that President Abraham Lincoln once said how “unfair” it was that so few are called to serve for the benefit of so many.

“The gravity of this sacrifice should never be lost on any of us,” he said. “Scripture tells us that no greater love can be shown on this earth… than the willingness to lay down one’s life for another.”

He then talked about the nearly 1.2 million men and women who have died in combat from World War II until now.

“A staggering sacrifice on battlefields all over the world,” he said.

Nehring said he, and the community, is proud of the military.

“What other nation’s military throughout history has paid a greater price for the cause of freedom and justice in the world today?” he asked.

He added that not only this country, but many others worldwide should appreciate the U.S. forces.

“So many are free and living a better life today,” he said.

He said the military works for the greater good, and that those who serve are selfless, not doing it for money or power, but to help people be free.

“These men and women who have made this sacrifice are our heroes, and we should be fiercely protective of their legacy,” he said. “We should not allow history to be re-written by those who would denigrate this great sacrifice in any way.”

In his closing prayer, Cage said not to forget that we are “One nation, under God, and it’s worth fighting for.”