On Monday May 27th, 2013, Evergreen Washelli will host our Annual Memorial Day Commemorative Service. Please join us as we honor America’s fallen and salute the flags on our “Avenue of Colors”.
In the morning, at 7:00 AM, there will be a Flag Placement at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Each of the 5000 white marble upright markers in the Veterans Section will receive a flag placed by hundreds of volunteers that will come out for this event. Veterans, scout groups, churches, local organizations and families will place the flags.
The 1:30 p.m. concert will feature marches, patriotic selections and other music provided by the Seattle Pacific University Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Drum Corps. The Service of Remembrance begins at 2:00 p.m.
Following the Memorial Day Commemorative Service, we invite you to attend a guided tour of the Veterans Memorial Cemetery and learn about the remarkable lives of the Medal of Honor recipients in our care.
Our guide this year will be David Bloch, son of the Medal of Honor recipient Orville Emil Bloch. We are extremely honored and excited to have him as our tour guide.
Kindly meet us at the Doughboy Statue in the Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 3:15 pm. We ask for a $5.00 suggested donation for attendance, which will go to the purchase of flags for the Avenue of Flags. For more information, and to reserve a spot, please call us at (206)362-5200 or email tours@washelli.com.
David Bloch at Washelli’s Medal of Honor Ceremony July 2011
Following the Memorial Day Commemorative Service on May 27, 2013, we invite you to attend a guided tour of the Veterans Memorial Cemetery and learn about the remarkable lives of the Medal of Honor recipients in our care.
Our guide this year will be David Bloch, son of the Medal of Honor recipient Orville Emil Bloch. We are extremely honored and excited to have him as our tour guide.
Kindly meet us at the Doughboy Statue in the Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 3:15 pm. We ask for a $5.00 suggested donation for attendance, which will go to the purchase of flags for the Avenue of Flags. For more information, and to reserve a spot, please call us at (206)362-5200 or email tours@washelli.com.
Evergreen Washelli Memorial Park is hosting an annual wreath laying ceremony in conjunction with the Navy Wives Club of America, Totem #277 and Wreaths Across America.
This year Evergreen Washelli will be celebrating veterans buried within its Veterans’ Cemetery section on December 14th, 2013 at 9:00 am. Following a brief ceremony there will be laying of donated wreaths by volunteers.
This special wreath laying ceremony is to occur simultaneously with Arlington National Cemetery and other Veterans Cemeteries in all 50 states (such as the one at Evergreen Washelli) along with veteran’s burial grounds around the globe.
Wreaths Across America organizes this event with the message of remembering our fallen heroes, honoring those who serve, and teaching our children about the sacrifices made by veterans and their families to preserve our freedoms.
This event is being made possible through donated funds and hard work done by the Navy Wives Club of America. It is their vision that has made this 4th annual wreath laying ceremony possible. Wreaths will be laid throughout the Veterans Cemetery and also at the graves of the Medal of Honor recipients. One wreath for each branch of service will be displayed at Evergreen Washelli’s Doughboy statue in memory of all who have served.
It is interesting to note that each section with the Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery was named for a battle in which the United States Armed Forces participated. Bronze plaques in keeping with the military theme identifying each section of Evergreen Washelli’s Veterans Cemetery were contributed by the Puget Sound Navy Yard at Bremerton.
Donations and Volunteers are needed, If you would like to participate in this year’s wreath laying ceremony, please contact Lorraine Zimmerman of the Totem #277 Navy Wives Club of America. Or for more information about this event, please contact Brenda Spicer at Evergreen Washelli, 206-362-5200. For wreath donations, please refer to the link http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/store/individual-wreath-sponsorship/ for more details. Donations need to be received by November 26,2013 in order to benefit the 2013 wreath laying ceremony.
About Evergreen Washelli’s Veterans Memorial Cemetery Arlington National Cemetery is America’s most renowned veterans’ cemetery, but for the Seattle-area veterans and their spouses, being interred in Virginia would greatly hinder their loved ones from being able to visit their graves as often as they would prefer, especially prior to the jet age. As early as 1904, local veterans of the Spanish America war began to search for ways to honor their fallen comrades with a local cemetery of their own, but the start of the First World War delayed their efforts. Their search finally ended in 1927 when Clinton S. Harley, then General Manager for Evergreen Washelli, a veteran of the Spanish America War himself, offered a large section of the cemetery for the burial of veterans and their spouses. Today Evergreen Washelli has over 5000 Veterans in its care.
Evergreen Washelli Memorial Park is hosting an annual wreath laying ceremony in conjunction with the Navy Wives Club of America, Totem #277 and Wreaths Across America.
This year Evergreen Washelli will be celebrating veterans buried within its Veterans’ Cemetery section on December 15th, 2012 at 8:45 am. Following a brief ceremony there will be laying of donated wreaths by volunteers.
Capt. Peter M. Dawson, US Navy, Commanding Officer Naval Base Kitsap
Our guest speaker this year is Captain Peter M. Dawson Captain Pete Dawson was born in Corvallis, Oregon. He graduated from Oregon State University, received his commission at Officer Candidate School, went to the United States Naval Nuclear Power School, Reactor Prototype trainer, and Submarine School before reporting to his first submarine assignment onboard USS KEY WEST (SSN 722) in August 1985. His first shore assignment was as NROTC Instructor at Rice University in Houston, TX. CAPT Dawson then served as the Navigator and Operations Officer onboard USS BALTIMORE (SSN 704). He then attended the Naval War College followed by a tour as the Submarine Operations Officer at HQ NAVSOUTH in Naples, Italy. His third submarine assignment was as Executive Officer in USS FLORIDA (BLUE) (SSBN 728). After a Federal Executive Fellowship at the RAND Corporation in Santa Monica, CA, CAPT Dawson attended Prospective Commanding Officer School and was assigned as the Deputy for Engineering and Readiness at Submarine Squadron Seventeen. He then reported as the first Commanding Officer of Naval Submarine Support Center Bangor, WA . Following a tour as Deputy for Tactical Development at Submarine Development Squadron Five, he served as Deputy Chief of Strategy for Multi-National Forces, Iraq before reporting to Submarine Group Nine as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Forces and Nuclear Weapons (N9) and Readiness and Training (N4). He took command of Naval Base Kitsap April, 2011.
CAPT Dawson’s military awards include the Bronze Star, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards).
He holds a Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) from Oregon State University, a Master of Arts (National Security Affairs) from the Naval War College, and a Doctorate of Philosophy (Political Science) from Rice University. He lives with his wife, Laurie, and their children Sarah, David, and Gideon in Seabeck, WA.
This special wreath laying ceremony is to occur simultaneously with Arlington National Cemetery and other Veterans Cemeteries in all 50 states (such as the one at Evergreen Washelli) along with veteran’s burial grounds around the globe.
Wreaths Across America organizes this event with the message of remembering our fallen heroes, honoring those who serve, and teaching our children about the sacrifices made by veterans and their families to preserve our freedoms.
This event is being made possible through donated funds and hard work done by the Navy Wives Club of America. It is their vision that has made this 3rd annual wreath laying ceremony possible. Wreaths will be laid throughout the Veterans Cemetery and also at the graves of the Medal of Honor recipients. One wreath for each branch of service will be displayed at Evergreen Washelli’s Doughboy statue in memory of all who have served.
It is interesting to note that each section with the Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery was named for a battle in which the United States Armed Forces participated. Bronze plaques in keeping with the military theme identifying each section of Evergreen Washelli’s Veterans Cemetery were contributed by the Puget Sound Navy Yard at Bremerton.
Donations and Volunteers are needed If you would like to make a donation or participate in next year’s wreath laying ceremony, please contact Lorraine Zimmerman of the Totem #277 Navy Wives Club of America. Or for more information about this event, please contact Brenda Spicer at Evergreen Washelli, 206-362-5200.
About Evergreen Washelli’s Veterans Memorial Cemetery Arlington National Cemetery is America’s most renowned veterans’ cemetery, but for the Seattle-area veterans and their spouses, being interred in Virginia would greatly hinder their loved ones from being able to visit their graves as often as they would prefer, especially prior to the jet age. As early as 1904, local veterans of the Spanish America war began to search for ways to honor their fallen comrades with a local cemetery of their own, but the start of the First World War delayed their efforts. Their search finally ended in 1927 when Clinton S. Harley, then General Manager for Evergreen Washelli, a veteran of the Spanish America War himself, offered a large section of the cemetery for the burial of veterans and their spouses. Today Evergreen Washelli has over 5000 Veterans in its care.
Join Evergreen Washelli for Veterans Day on Monday, November 12th
On Monday, November 12, 2012 at 11:00 am, Evergreen Washelli will be celebrating our 63rd Annual Veterans Day. The event will take place at the Doughboy statue at the base of the Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Veterans, their families and the public will gather for a special band concert and Service of Remembrance. A tent will be provided in the event of rain.
7:00 am Monday, November 12th – Flag placement at the Lower Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Each of the white marble upright markers in the Lower Veterans Section will receive a flag. Volunteers are needed.
The Chimes Tower will play after the program. The public is invited to listen to Patriotic music played by the Chimes Tower while visiting the graves of our Medal of Honor Recipients.
10:30 am — music will be provided by the Eagles and Letter-Carriers Band.
11:00 am — the Service of Remembrance begins. The program will conclude with “Taps” and a Rifle Salute.
The donation of flags for this event is greatly appreciated. If you would like to donate a flag or funds to purchase them, or for additional information, please contact Brenda Spicer or call our main Seattle office at 206.362.5200
On Monday May 28th, 2012, Evergreen Washelli will host our Annual Memorial Day Commemorative Service. Please join us as we honor America’s fallen and salute the flags on our “Avenue of Colors”.
The 1:30 p.m. concert will feature marches, patriotic selections and other music provided by the Seattle Pacific University Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Drum Corps. The Service of Remembrance begins at 2:00 p.m.
Captain Pete Mingo
This year’s speaker is Captain Pete Mingo. Captain Pete Mingo received his commission in 1990 from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. After graduation, he served aboard the Coast Guard Cutter HAMILTON home ported in Boston, MA where he qualified as an Engineering Officer of the Watch and Officer of the Deck. Following this tour, Captain Mingo completed Naval Flight Training in Pensacola, FL and received his wings in December of 1995. He was subsequently stationed at Air Station Cape May, NJ and later relocated to Coast Guard Group/Air Station Atlantic City, NJ.
In 2000, Captain Mingo transferred to Jacksonville, FL and became a plank owner of HITRON-10, the Coast Guard’s only aviation-Counter Drug squadron. After four years of flying the MH-68A he transferred to the Maritime Security Response Team and completed an aircraft transition course. He then flew MH-60’s out of Air Station Elizabeth City, NC as part of the Coast Guard’s only Counter- Terrorism unit, focused exclusively on maritime security threats.
Captain Mingo was assigned to Aviation Training Center Mobile, AL in 2006 as the Chief of the Aviation Special Missions Branch. This Branch was responsible for Airborne Use of Force, Rotary Wing Air Intercept, and Joint Air-Surface Tactics. In 2008, Captain Mingo assumed the position as Chief of the Training Division, and was placed in charge of Aviation Training for the entire Coast Guard. With a staff of approximately 130 active duty and civilian instructors, he was responsible for initial and proficiency training in all of the Coast Guard’s fixed and rotary wing airframes.
In 2010, Captain Mingo was assigned to Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, DC where he assumed leadership of the Future Forces Project Division and later transferred to his current assignment in Seattle, WA as the Chief of Incident Management for Coast Guard District Thirteen.
Captain Mingo has amassed 3300 flight hours in Coast Guard helicopters and is the recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal (2), the Coast Guard Commendation Medal (2) and the Coast Guard Achievement Medal (4). Captain Mingo is a native of New London, CT and currently resides on Bainbridge Island, WA with his wife Patricia and two teenage daughters
Following the Memorial Day Commemorative Service, we invite you to attend a guided tour of the Veterans Memorial Cemetery and learn about the remarkable lives of the Medal of Honor recipients in our care.
Our guide this year will be David Bloch, son of the Medal of Honor recipient Orville Emil Bloch. We are extremely honored and excited to have him as our tour guide.
Kindly meet us at the Doughboy Statue in the Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 3:15 pm. We ask for a $5.00 suggested donation for attendance, which will go to the purchase of flags for the Avenue of Flags. For more information, and to reserve a spot, please call us at (206)362-5200 or email tours@washelli.com.
The Medal of Honor is the highest award for bravery that can be given to any individual in the United States of America. The deed of the person must be proved by incontestable evidence of at least two eye witnesses; it must be so outstanding that it clearly distinguishes his or her gallantry beyond the call of duty from lesser forms of bravery; it must involve the risk of his or her own life; and it must be the type of deed which, if he or she had not done it, would not subject him or her to any justified criticism.
On Friday, November 11, 2011, Evergreen Washelli celebrated the 62nd annual Veterans Day. The event took place at the Doughboy statue at the base of the Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Veterans, their families and the public gathered for a special band concert and Service of Remembrance
Friday, November 11th – Flag placement at the Lower Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Each of the white marble upright markers in the Lower Veterans Section received a flag, thanks to our dedicated volunteers.
The Chimes Tower played after the program. The public was invited to listen to Patriotic music played by the Chimes Tower while visiting the graves of our Medal of Honor Recipients.
Music was provided by the Eagles and Letter-Carriers Band, after which the Service of Remembrance began.
Our keynote speaker was Jan Moore-Harbert, USAFR, Commander, 446th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA
The program concluded with “Taps” and a Rifle Salute.
The donation of flags for this event was greatly appreciated. If you would like to donate a flag or funds to purchase them for next year’s event, or for additional information, please contact Brenda Spicer or call our main Seattle office at 206.362.5200
Maureen Hoffmann Kunstdame attended our Veterans Day service and wrote about it on her blog. Please click here to read her thoughts on this special day of Remembrance.
Please enjoy the photo slideshow from our Veterans Day Memorial Celebration.
62nd Annual Veterans Day Celebration Friday November 11, 2011
On Friday, November 11, 2011 at 11:00 am, Evergreen Washelli will be celebrating our 62nd annual Veterans Day. The event will take place at the Doughboy statue at the base of the Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Veterans, their families and the public will gather for a special band concert and Service of Remembrance
7:00 am Friday, November 11th – Flag placement at the Lower Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Each of the white marble upright markers in the Lower Veterans Section will receive a flag. Volunteers are needed.
The Chimes Tower will play after the program. The public is invited to listen to Patriotic music played by the Chimes Tower while visiting the graves of our Medal of Honor Recipients.
At 10:30 AM music will be provided by the Eagles and Letter-Carriers Band. At 11:00 AM, the Service of Remembrance begins.
Our keynote speaker is Col Jan Moore-Harbert, USAFR, Commander, 446th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA
The program will conclude with “Taps” and a Rifle Salute.
The donation of flags for this event is greatly appreciated. If you would like to donate a flag or funds to purchase them, or for additional information, please contact Brenda Spicer or call our main Seattle office at 206.362.5200
