Washington State Department of
Veterans Affairs News Release
May 21, 2021
State Veterans Cemetery, Medical Lake Commemorates Memorial Day
Cemetery open for public visitation
MEDICAL LAKE — The Washington Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) State Veterans Cemetery – Medical Lake will not hold a public ceremony for Memorial Day this year; however, a virtual Memorial Day Observance will be available on the Cemetery Facebook page.
While the cemetery will not hold a public ceremony, WDVA remains committed to honoring Veterans with the solemn dignity and respect they’ve earned through their service and sacrifice. The cemetery will display wreaths, donated by community groups. Stationary flags will be flown at half-staff until noon as customary, before being raised to full staff at high noon.
Placement of flags at gravesites will be handled by staff prior to Memorial Day. We are looking forward to welcoming our community volunteers to assist with this work in future ceremonies.
The State Veterans Cemetery will be open Memorial Day weekend from 8am to sunset for public visitation. Cemetery visitors are asked to adhere to CDC guidelines and maintain physical distancing while visiting. Visitors are also urged to consider visiting Saturday or Sunday to avoid possible crowds on Memorial Day. Families may continue the tradition of placing flowers and small American flags at their loved one’s gravesite.
We remind the public that pets and the use of any tobacco or vaping device are prohibited on cemetery grounds out of respect for those interred on these hallowed grounds and their families.
Thank you for your understanding as we work to protect the health and safety of our community and staff.
###
Media Contact
Heidi Audette
Communications and Legislative Director
(360) 725-2154 – office
(360) 791-8966 – cell
heidia@dva.wa.gov