28th annual Edmonds Memorial Day Observance set

The public is invited to attend the 28th Annual Memorial Day Observance on Monday, May 31 at 11 a.m. at the Edmonds Memorial Cemetery and Columbarium. The cemetery is located at 100th Avenue West and 15th Street Southwest, one block north of the Westgate QFC. The event will take place rain or shine and is approximately one hour long. American Sign Language translation will be provided.

Street parking is available along 100th Avenue West and 15th Avenue. Parking within the cemetery is limited to those bearing handicap-parking permits. Limited seating is available, and guests are encouraged to bring their own folding chairs.

Refreshments will be served after the program and visitors are invited to stroll the cemetery grounds and take a self-guided tour using one of the cemetery’s new walking maps.

The Edmonds Memorial Cemetery was placed on the Washington State Register of Historic Places in 1972 and has over 400 veterans interred. In honor of Memorial Day, graves of all the veterans will be marked with a white cross and a miniature U.S. flag.

Cemetery Board Member Dale Hoggins, a long-time Edmonds resident, will be the master of ceremonies. This year, special recognition will focus on World War II veterans. Jane Cunningham, Women’s Air Service Pilot (WASP) and Medal of Honor recipient, will be remembered and we will also welcome home members of the Washington National Guard who recently returned from Iraq. A special invitation is extended to all WWII veterans as well as Gold Star families.

Program highlights include:

Presentation of colors will be conducted by the following veteran’s and youth groups: American Legion Post 66; Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8870; Boy Scout Troop 301; local Girl Scout troops; Sea Scouts, Ship 6, KELCEMA; and Cub Pack 331. Members of the VFW Post 8860 and American Legion Post 66 will also lead a POW/MIA Remembrance Service.

The Edmonds-Woodway High School Vocal Volunteers will sing several songs throughout the ceremony along with the Air Force ROTC Detachment 910 Brass Quintet, comprised of students from local universities, performing songs including the popular Armed Forces Medley.The quintet is led by Matt Murphy, an Edmonds-Woodway High school graduate.

Katarina Nguyen, a tenth grader from Edmonds Woodway High School, will read her award-winning VFW essay and Mayor Gary Haakenson will deliver his Memorial Day message.

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