Tag Archive: Edmonds Cemetery

Memorial Day at the Edmonds Cemetery 

The traditional Memorial Day observance at the Edmonds Cemetery drew an estimated 200 attendees. “The Edmonds Cemetery is the final resting place to approximately 600 veterans dating back to the Civil War,” began Cemetery Board Member Jerry Janacek as he welcomed attendees. Janacek’s remarks were followed by a presentation of the colors by members of the Edmonds VFW Post 8870, the Pledge of Allegiance led by a contingent of Girl Scouts, singing of “The Star Spangled Banner” by David Little, and a bagpipe rendition of “Grand Old Flag” by piper Jan Begg. 

Memorial Day at the Edmonds Cemetery

In his invocation, Pastor Barry Crane of Edmonds’ North Sound Church reminded attendees that “though we come from many races and religion, we are all Americans, and we realize that freedom is not free.” Crane was followed by the North Sound Singers under the direction of Allan Skoog singing “America the Beautiful.” 

Edmonds Mayor Mike Nelson spoke briefly, noting that Arlington National Cemetery was created in the wake of the Civil War, a war that saw “the greatest loss of life of any of America’s armed conflicts.” 

Keynote speaker was Monica McNeal, president of American Gold Star Mothers for Washington, Alaska and Oregon, a group of mothers who lost a son or daughter while in service to their country. Monica spoke about the loss of her son, Lance Cpl. Eric Levi Ward, killed in action in Afghanistan on Feb. 21, 2010. 

Memorial Day at the Edmonds Cemetery

Since then, she has dedicated herself to honoring Eric’s service and that of others who continue to serve. Eric now rests in Arlington National Cemetery. “The true cost of war is not the trillions of dollars, but in young lives like Eric’s,” she concluded. “Some gave all; all gave some. God bless America.” 

Memorial Day at the Edmonds Cemetery

McNeal was followed by Mike Denton of VFW Post 8870, with the missing man table ceremony in memory of those who remain missing in action. Next was the ship’s bell ceremony officiated by VFW Post 8870 Commander Carl Kurfess, who read off the names of Snohomish County service members who died in Iran and Afghanistan. Kurfess was assisted by Vietnam veteran John Shelton, who rang the bell as each name was read. 

The ceremonies ended with “God Bless America” by the North Sound Singers, the benediction by Pastor Barry Crane, taps and a rendition of “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes. 

Memorial Day at the Edmonds Cemetery
Navy Lt. Lisa Nenno, who served as a trauma nurse was moved by the ceremonies. 

Excerpted from story & photos by Larry Vogel, MyEdmondsNews 

Edmonds Cemetery Memorial Day Observance – 2016

A large crowd gathered at the Edmonds Cemetery to honor all of our fallen men and women on a beautiful sunny “Edmonds Kind of Day”! Particularly honored on this occasion was Edmonds native Frank Freese, KIA in France in WWI, in the battle of Meuse Argonne, where he is buried. Edmonds’ American Legion Post 66 is named in his honor.

Post 8870 member First Sergeant Chris Edwards led a guard of honor from the Washington National Guard, who provided a rifle salute. Taps was played by Edwards.

Edmonds Cemetery Memorial Day Observance - 2016

VFW Post 8870 color guard

Edmonds Cemetery Memorial Day Observance - 2016

VFW Essay Winner Olivia Olsen

Edmonds Cemetery Memorial Day Observance - 2016

Cdr Jim Blossey and Les Abel raised the colors.

Edmonds Cemetery Memorial Day Observance - 2016

WWIi Vets Norm Goldstein, (L) and Amos Chapman Read the names & and rang the bell for the fallen

 

Memorial Day Ceremonies

Memorial Day Ceremonies

Our own Col Buck Weaver was the honored guest at this year’s Memorial Day ceremony at the Edmonds Cemetery. This year’s theme was VJ Day. Fred Apgar described the origin and meaning of the White Table, now a fixture in every veterans’ organization banquet and meeting place.

0615_Memorial_Day_Ceremonies1Olivia Olson, winner of our Voice of Democracy Contest, recited in grand style her award winning essay about why our country should honor its veterans. She was outstanding.

Finally, Amos Chapman and Neal Goldstein read the list of names and rang the ship’s bell for those Snohomish County residents who were killed in the Pacific Theatre in WWII. I estimate there were approximately 300 hardy souls at the ceremony who braved a slightly chilly day.

Post Gearing Up for Memorial Day Celebrations

On May 20th, the Post will be attending the 2nd annual Memorial Day ceremonies at Edmonds Community College that will be hosted by the Student Veterans Association. The event is held at the Black Box Theatre which is near the clubhouse for the golf course. It you enter on the southern entrance there will be plenty of signage telling you where to go. Its important to support our student veterans so your attendance will be appreciated.

On Friday, May 22nd, we will begin our two day Buddy Poppy fund raiser. I won’t give my normal beg for volunteers because those of you who participate will do so again, and those who don’t, will make themselves scarce. As usual, 20% do 80% of the work. However, Memorial Day and Veterans Day fund raising provides all of our Relief Funds used to support veterans, students, and the causes that support and assist many worthy endeavors. Adding one store requires a minimum of 8 volunteers and can easily produce as much as $2,000 in funds. We have plenty of stores, just not enough voluteers.

On Monday, May 25th, we will be at Edmonds Cemetery lining up at 11:45 to raise the flag. As in the past, several of our members will be participating. We would love to have a huge turnout to remember our fallen friends.

Veterans Day

On November 11th at 11AM, we will have our first Veterans Day ceremony at our new Veterans Plaza at 5th and Bell. Depending on the weather (although it never rains in November in Edmonds), we may have to put up some shelters for the speakers and honored guests. In addition, if Memorial Day at the cemetery is any indication, we will also have to put up chairs for our elderly citizens to use. Therefore, we will have a work party detail at 0930 to get things organized. Since this is our first attempt at this, the more hands we get to help, the quicker we can adjourn to the coffee shop before returning at 11AM. The agenda is still somewhat fluid, but Commander Jim Blossey will MC the event, Mayor Dave Earling will say a few words, and Mike Reagan, Post member and founder of the Fallen Heroes Portrait Foundation will be the keynote speaker. Our own Chris Edwards will play Taps to close the ceremony. Following the ceremony, we will need some hands to help us pack up everything. At that time, we will adjourn to the Edmonds Cemetery where there will be a tour of the notable veterans interred there. Hopefully, we can have a major showing of our VFW members so please wear your covers to the ceremony. This is our day at our Park so please make an effort to be there.