Memorial Day weekend brought forward thoughts of our troops overseas as well as those who have lost 
their lives in battle serving our Country.
Here in Maple Valley, we are fortunate to have one of our Country’s National Cemetary’s just a short drive away. On July 17, 1863 the United States Congress approved legislation to give the President authorization to purchase private property to be used as national cemeteries for soldiers who would die having served their country. One hundred and thirty years later, Washington State established it’s first and only national cemetery approximately 20 miles South East of Seattle in Covington, Washington.
Dedicated on September 26, 1997, the Tahoma National Cemetery is located on 160 acres next to Tahoma High School. It is a beautiful place with curving roads leading to a circular drive around the flagpole. When you look back, to the South you are awed by the magnificence of Mt. Rainier framed by trees. The landscape design firm who laid out the cemetery was awarded an “Honor Award” by the Washington Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects for the impressive design which features the view of Mount Rainier.
Any honorably discharged Veteran or immediate family member may be buried at Tahoma without cost for the plot or niche There is a Memorial Walkway which commemorates 23 soldiers who fought in 20th century wars. If you follow the walkway to the Northeast corner you’ll find the POW-MIA flag. There is also a Blue Star memorial which honors all veterans.
The historical significance of the blue star is that it was a symbol families used on flags at their homes during World War II to show they had a loved one fighting at the time. I consider myself fortunate to have such a beautiful landmark so close to where I live. It is an impressive tribute to our Armed Forces and reminder of the sacrifices they have made and continue to make every day.
Copyright 2008, Colleen Fischesser All Rights Reserved
Colleen Fischesser is the Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Select in Maple Valley, WA. She has been successfully selling and marketing properties all over South King & North Pierce counties since 1990 but specializes in the greater Maple Valley area. She may be contacted directly at: 425-432-5400
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
My Husband is an honorably discharged Veteran from WWII – with 19 years service. He was creamated in June and I would like details on burial in the Maple Valley – Tahoma Veterans Cemetary.
What paper work do we need or how do we make arrangements. When the urn is buried can the family be present. This is very important to my daughters. So what would be the proceedure for that.
If you have papers to sign and a booklet on buriel there – I will include my mailing address
Mrs Willard Spencer
Thank you for your help
Mrs Spencer, I will gladly look into this for you and be in touch. The cemetary is truly a very noble resting place. The view of Mt. Rainier on a clear day is just amazing.
Where can I find a list of those buried in the Tahoma National Cemetery?
Gary, here is a search tool on the Department of Veteran’s Affairs website. I don’t think you can get a list per se, but you can search by name and/or dates. If I find anything else that might be helpful, I’ll be sure and post it here.
http://gravelocator.cem.va.gov/j2ee/servlet/NGL_v1
National cemetary locator will give you buriel information and yes the locator information. Who Qualifies and what needs to be done to do so.
This was very helpful for us, the family.
We just laid my Wonderful Father to rest at Tahoma over the holidays and those folks were Outstanding. A Beautiful place.
My father is buried at Tahoma National Cemetery. My mother has re-married and I need to know if she is still eligible to be buried there. Thanks
Laurel, I’m don’t know the answer to this but will definitely help you find out and will post the answer. I’m sure others may be wondering the same thing.
My Grandparents Elewood “Pat” and Beverly Kalahan are buried in the Tahoma National Cemetery. I am not sure who to talk to but I would like to get a few photos of there markers sent or emailed to me if possibile. I live in Pace,Fl now. I was there in August of 2006 wright before my Grandmother past on, but I have never seen her marker. Thanks for the help. Robert Fremming
Robert, I would be honored to help get you photos of your grandparent’s markers. I’m only 5 minutes away and will email you some photos as soon as I find out their site locations.
I am hoping to do some community work at the cementary for my semester project. I am in seventh grade and the amount of hours we are supposed to work are 10. need to contact somebody ASAP so that I might be able to work on veterans day. We are supposed to mail a letter and I need an exact name of who to mail to. I have the address, but not the name. My teacher, Mr.Frankin, said I could mail it to Donna Coleman, does she still work there? He has not heard from her yet this year and he sends her some students each year. Thank You.
Hi Alyssa,
Although we are not affiliated with the Cemetery, we can look into this and see if we can’t get some information that will help you with your project.
Thanks for the help in the photos of the Kalahan’s markers.
Hi Robert,
You’re welcome. Did you get them ok? I was worried about the shadows.