The Purple Heart Medal is a United States military decoration awarded by the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving with the U.S. military. Being presented with this medal is a way to honor these military members with their courageous acts in the name of their country. This medal is something to be proud of, and wear with honor. That being said, one might wonder why anyone would part with their medal if they were to receive one? That is one of the many thoughts and questions that occurred in our minds when a Purple Heart Medal was left on Washelli’s very own “Doughboy” statue, which stands tall in front of the Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery at Evergreen-Washelli.
The “Doughboy” statue was given as a gift to the Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery at Washelli, as a dedication to all that have served. The “Doughboy” depicts a young soldier as “just returning from a victory- with a grim smile on his face”. The statue holds the cremated remains of veterans and their spouses. Needless to say, this is a treasured and loved statue to many, especially veterans because of what the statue represents; those who have made it home from service, and those who did not have the chance to return.
When the Purple Heart Medal was left upon the foot of the “Doughboy” statue anonymously, it was clear that it was left in a manner of respect for the Veterans and those who currently serve in the military. Although this was understood, we are still left one to ponder what the thought process might have been behind leaving this medal here, and why it was left anonymously? Perhaps the person who left the medal had previously earned it in the line of duty, and was ready to share it with others. Perhaps the medal had been passed down to them, and they thought that it should be with those who deserved it- such as the fallen soldiers in our Veterans Cemetery. Maybe there are cremated remains of someone in the statue who the person believed deserved the medal. Maybe the person left the medal anonymously because they simply wanted to honor the veterans as a whole? The mind is truly left to wonder, what the true meaning behind this gesture was, because there could be so many possibilities and explanations.
Although it might never be possible for us to fully understand this gesture without knowing who left this medal, we can say that this medal is something that we will treasure and display in our Funeral Home for time to come. There have been anonymous items left in the past that Evergreen-Washelli has speculated as to what the significance is, and what it means to the individual who left it. Because there are so many stories and people, it is an interesting and fun thought thinking you will truly never know what you could find.
On Monday, May 13th, 2013, 100 Alaska Airlines workers and families will be helping to prepare the graves for the upcoming Memorial day event. They will be helping to hand wash and prepare the 5,000 veterans’ headstones in time for the Memorial Day Celebration. A big thank you to Alaska Airlines who are choosing to do this as one of their HR events- helping make this day even more special.
This is a closed event, but if you would like to find out more information about this event and what you can do to help please contact Brenda Spicer at Bspicer@washelli.com.
At 7:00 AM the morning of Memorial Day, there will be a Flag Placement at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Each of the 5000 white marble upright markers in our Veterans Section will receive a flag placed by hundreds of volunteers that will come out for this event. Veterans, Scout groups, neighbors, Veterans, churches, local organizations and families, to name a few, will be among those who place the flags.
This is a Public event, and we would love for you to join us. If you have any questions please feel free to call Brenda Spicer at 206-362-5200, or email us at Veterans@washelli.com
This Ceremony is a way to remember and honor those who have served and are currently serving.
This is news coverage from King 5 News, on our Flag placement Ceremony the previous year.
To Learn more about of Veterans Section, click here.
On Friday June 14th, 2013, Evergreen Washelli will celebrate Flag Day, which commemorates the adoption of the United States flag in 1777. The American flag flies free – a unifying symbol of our nation that soars proudly above our homes, camp sites, small businesses, corporate offices, hospitals and schools. The U.S. Flag Code states that the flag “when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”
Evergreen Washelli is in need of 5’ x 9 ½’ flags for The Avenue of Colors in our Veterans Memorial Cemetery, as well as for retiring flags upon Veteran’s cremations.
You may donate by bringing in a flag for donation, donating any dollar amount towards a new flag, or donating $70 for a new flag in memory of a loved one.
If you wish to donate a flag or funds to purchase them, please contact Brenda Spicer at (206)362-5200.
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.
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
In the United States, National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed on the third Friday in September. POW/MIA Recognition Day honors the commitments and the sacrifices made by our nation’s prisoners of war and those who are still missing in action. This day was established by an Act of Congress; it is one of six days that the POW/MIA Flag can be flown.
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 Purple Heart Medal is a United States military decoration awarded by the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving with the U.S. military. Being presented with this medal is a way to honor these military members with their courageous acts in the name of their country. This medal is something to be proud of, and wear with honor. That being said, one might wonder why anyone would part with their medal if they were to receive one? That is one of the many thoughts and questions that occurred in our minds when a Purple Heart Medal was left on Washelli’s very own “Doughboy” statue, which stands tall in front of the Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery at Evergreen-Washelli.
