Edmonds artist Michael Reagan, who has been creating and distributing hand drawn portraits of service men and women killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, will talk about his “Fallen Heroes Project” during the 29th Annual Memorial Day Observance at Edmonds Cemetery and Columbarium at 11 a.m. Monday, May 30.

Longtime Edmonds resident and Cemetery Board Member Dale Hoggins will be the Master of Ceremonies. The Presentation of Colors will be conducted by the following groups: American Legion Post 66, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8870, Boy Scout Troop 301, Girl Scout Troop 42093, Cub Pack 331 and the Washington National Guard. Fred Apgar, member of the VFW Post 8860, will lead a POW/MIA Remembrance Service.

The Edmonds-Woodway High School Vocal Volunteers will sing several songs throughout the ceremony along with the Edmonds-Woodway High School Brass Quintet who will perform several songs, including the “Armed Forces Medley” and “America the Beautiful.” Mike Barber, Bagpiper, will play “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and “Amazing Grace.”

Katarina Nguyen, an 11th grader from Edmonds-Woodway High School, will read her award-winning VFW essay.  The program ends with a rifle salute by the Washington National Honor Guard – Camp Murray contingent and Dave Earling playing “Taps.”

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

Mayor Mike Cooper will introduce Reagan, an internationally recognized artist and founder of the Fallen Heroes Project. Using a favorite photo, custom portraits are made free of charge and given to family members. To date, 2,400 portraits have been created.

Edmonds Memorial Cemetery and Columbarium is located at 100th Ave. W. and 15th St. S.W., one block north of the Westgate QFC. American Sign Language translation will be provided. The event will take place rain or shine and is approximately one hour long.

Street parking is available along 100th Avenue West and 15th Avenue. Parking within the cemetery is limited to those with handicap-parking permits only. Limited seating is available. Guests are encouraged to bring their own folding chairs. Refreshments, provided by the Lynnwood Emblem Club #366, 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 walking maps.