Fort Lawton Post Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony

The Fort Lawton Post Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony gives you a quiet, dignified morning of remembrance inside Discovery Park’s 534 acres in Magnolia. You gather at the historic post cemetery, with forested trails and open meadows nearby and views toward the Puget Sound. Veterans, local families, and visitors come together to honor those who served, with the landscape keeping the focus where it belongs.

You can expect a respectful, low-key program that often includes color guards, a small band or a lone bugler, and guest speakers that change year to year, sometimes local military leaders or historians. The cemetery is small, so you are close to the proceedings without feeling crowded. The ceremony typically wraps up around 1:00 PM, and we suggest planning extra time to walk the bluff trails for Olympic Mountain views or continue down to West Point Lighthouse.

Arrive at least 30 minutes early since space near the cemetery is limited and Discovery Park draws holiday crowds. Free parking is available at the Discovery Park Visitor Center or the East Lot, but both can fill quickly, so consider the park shuttle if it is running. Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to explore after the service because some routes involve steep grades, and bring a light jacket plus a hat since wind off the Sound can stay cool even on clear spring days. If you pack a picnic for the bluffs, carry out everything you bring in.

The ceremony is free and open to the public. Light rain usually does not stop the program, so bring a waterproof shell or umbrella, and check park alerts if weather turns severe. The route to the cemetery is paved, though many surrounding trails are dirt and can be uneven, and restrooms are available at the Discovery Park Visitor Center and near the Daybreak Star Cultural Center. Dogs are allowed in the park on leash, and you will want to keep them calm and close during the service.