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 is unable to hold traditional Memorial Day observances this year, which includes traditional public ceremonies, due to gathering restrictions in place from the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order.
While the cemetery is unable to host public ceremonies, 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.
Other public events typically associated with Memorial Day, including placement of flags at gravesites by volunteers, will not take place in order to comply with physical distancing restrictions. We thank all community volunteers for their understanding and look forward to their assistance with this in the future.
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.
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Media Contact
Heidi Audette
Communications and Legislative Director
(360) 725-2154 – office
(360) 791-8966 – cell
heidia@dva.wa.gov