68th Annual Veterans Day Memorial at Evergreen Washelli

Photos and text by Wayne Pridemore

Early Friday morning preparations are complete for the 68th Veterans Day Memorial Celebration at Evergreen Washelli Cemetery.

Burke Martinez of VFW Post 1040, on left, and Doyle Burke of the State Guard go over last minute details for the presentation of the colors.

Evergreen Washelli is at 11220 Aurora Ave N, Seattle 98133

The color guard and the honor guard are presented at the ceremony.

News media film the color guard

The parade of the colors was recorded by KOMO and Q-13 television stations.

There are six Medal of Honor recipients buried at Washelli Cemetery:

Lewis Albanese, 

William Horton, 

William Nakamura, 

Robert Leisy, 

Orville Bloch,

Harry Fadden, and 

Emil Fredreksen.

Sen. Maria Cantwell

U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell addressed the audience at the ceremony and spoke of the sacrifice of all those who served in the United States military.

Her father, Paul F. Cantwell, served during World War II.

Senator Patty Murray was unable to attend but sent a representative to read a personal message.

U.S. Army Colonel Nicole Lucas

The keynote speaker was U.S. Army Colonel Nicole Lucas.

She is a graduate of the United States Military Academy and is currently serving as the Joint Base Garrison Commander for Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

The colonel reviewed the history of the base and the present day mission.

The honor team of VFW Post 1040 presents arms as "taps "is played.