State Veterans Cemetery – Medical Lake marks its one year anniversary on June 7, 2011.

Staff members and community volunteers gathered for a BBQ and took some time to recognize the volunteers who have provided exceptional services for veterans and their families. All continuous volunteers were awarded a one year service pin and the Cemetery Honor Guard Support Team received a special Honor Guard one year pin as well.

(Fred George receives the “Volunteer of the Year” award from John Lee and Rich Cesler during the ceremony and presentations.)

Since opening on June 7, 2010, the cemetery has interred 581 veterans, spouses and eligible children.

Families have a number of placement options including, in-ground casket, in-ground cremation, columbarium wall, and scattering garden.

Cemetery staff serve veterans and families by applying for the Federal VA plot allowances and ordering the headstones and markers. Families also have the option of pre-registering at the State Veterans Cemetery ensuring all necessary documents and paperwork are already on file.

The Cemetery also has several very active volunteer groups who assist by providing Military Funeral Honors, serving as Ladies and Gentleman of the Cemetery, providing Rifle Team Honors and serving as Cemetery Advisory Board Members.

(Below, Philip Kowzan, LTC, USAR (Ret.) receives his one year pin and certificate and our grateful appreciation for playing TAPS at over 50 services.)

Our thanks goes to each and every volunteer and community member who has helped to make our first State Veterans Cemetery a magnificant tribute to veterans.

The State Veterans Cemetery – Medical Lake receives most of its operational funding through the sale of the Armed Forces License Plates. Each time a plate is purchased or renewed, $28 goes to support cemetery operations.

Click to find out more about the State Veterans Cemetery .

Click to find out more about the Armed Forces License Plates.