Tahoma National Cemetery Memorial Day Commemorative Ceremony

Spend Memorial Day afternoon at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington, for an official commemorative ceremony that invites you to pause and honor those who served. The cemetery sits near the Cascade foothills, and on clear days you can see Mount Rainier beyond the grounds. If you are pairing the weekend with time in the Snoqualmie Valley or Enumclaw, this is a meaningful, well-structured stop that draws veterans, families, and the broader community.

The program begins at 1:00 PM at the Main Flag Pole Assembly Area. You can expect a traditional sequence that typically includes a wreath-laying ceremony, a rifle volley, and the playing of Taps, with remarks from local leaders such as the Mayor of Kent and retired military officers. Before the ceremony, take a moment to absorb the rows of graves marked with small American flags placed by local students and volunteers.

Plan your arrival for 12:15 PM since parking inside the cemetery is limited and fills early. Wear comfortable walking shoes for the walk from overflow parking, and bring water and a hat because the assembly area is exposed and seating is minimal. If you need assistance, shuttles are usually available between parking lots and the ceremony site. This is a solemn observance on federal grounds, so keep your volume low and follow any posted guidance on pets, including leash requirements in permitted areas.

If you are staying overnight, book in Kent or Renton for the simplest commute, or choose a quieter base in the Snoqualmie Valley or near Enumclaw through Lake.com for time outdoors after the ceremony. Attendance is free and open to the public, and the program generally continues in light rain, so pack a compact umbrella or waterproof layer. If you plan to visit a specific grave, we recommend using the Public Information Center kiosk before the 1:00 PM start.