Some 200 people helped display 6,000 American flags on veterans’ headstones.
SEATTLE — With stacks of American flags in hand, hundreds of volunteers gathered at Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home & Cemetery to mark approximately 6,000 veteran headstones in observance of Memorial Day.
“When you hear people complain about just little things like the neighbor doesn’t put the garbage cans away or my latte isn’t hot, remember that some of these people are out in the trenches,” said Karen Hogel, an attendee. “All of that is nothing compared to the sacrifice these people give.”
This year marked the cemetery’s 98th annual Memorial Day Celebration, attended by around 200 people.
The event began with volunteers—veterans, families, and local residents—placing American flags throughout the cemetery grounds.
A formal memorial service followed, featuring speeches from military personnel, including representatives from Joint Base Lewis-McChord’s Special Forces. The ceremony included a moment of silence, the playing of “Taps,” and a flag-folding demonstration.
After the service, attendees participated in the “Walk of Honor” through the Veterans Cemetery section, where stories of service and sacrifice were shared.
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