This past weekend, hundreds of volunteers from all walks of life gathered at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake, WA, the Washington Soldier’s Home Cemetery in Orting and the Washington Veterans Home Cemetery in Port Orchard to participate in a heartfelt event that pays tribute to our beloved heroes who honorably served our nation.
The Daughters of the American Revolution, Esther Reed Chapter (Spokane) partnered with the State Veterans Cemetery for this year’s Veterans Holiday Remembrance. This event provided a beautiful opportunity for individuals to come together, and honor fallen veterans, expressing gratitude to all those who served and to those who gave their lives in defense of our country.
"Since the veteran’s cemetery opened in 2010, the volunteers are constant, and steadfast, without our volunteers, this honorable endeavor could not have been accomplished. It takes time, connections, and donations to achieve our goals. This cemetery isn’t going anywhere, it’s only going to expand. The cemetery has veterans from WWII, the Korean war, and Vietnam. Now, veterans from Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Afghanistan will be laid to rest here."
(Photo by Niki Sibley)
"We must continue to remember, to honor, and to teach the next generation by showing our participation as volunteers in this beautiful and serene place." - Cindy Blue-Blanton, Northwestern Division Vice Chair
The atmosphere was filled with reverence and gratitude as volunteers meticulously placed wreaths on the graves of our fallen heroes. The sight of the cemetery adorned with wreaths was a moving reminder of the sacrifices made by these brave men and women.
“The Washington State Veterans Cemetery serves as a solemn final resting place for our nation’s heroes who’ve answered our nation’s call and preceded us in death said Washington State Cemetery Director, Rudy Lopez. “The cemetery team of professional caretakers are committed to honoring every Veteran’s service and sacrifice with this an annual Holiday Remembrance. It is our responsibility to care for all who rest on these hallowed grounds, knowing that one day others will do the same for our families.”
The Washington Soldier’s Home and the Washington Veterans Home Cemeteries partnered with Wreaths Across America, a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring and remembering veterans by placing wreaths on their graves during the holiday season.
The collaboration between the cemeteries and Wreaths Across America Volunteers, who dedicated countless hours coordinating wreath donations and ceremonies, also paid tribute to the brave men and women who have served our country and ensured that their sacrifices are never forgotten. (Photo on the right by Niki Sibley)
Washington Department of Veterans Affairs Director, David Puente said “During the busiest time of the year, these events offered a beautiful way for people to honor fallen veterans and express gratitude to all those who have served and given their lives in defense of our country. This showcases the power of unity and remembrance in our communities, and we are grateful for the continued support and partnerships.”
