Sequim and the rest of the nation continued the 143-year-old tradition of honoring fallen servicemen on Memorial Day. Formerly known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day was first observed on Monday, May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

 

Annually, the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign War Post 4760 lead ceremonies across Sequim with a joint service at Sequim View Cemetery. The American Legion visited the Jamestown Cemetery, Dungeness Cemetery and Blue Mountain Cemetery and the VFW went to Pioneer Park, Zaccardo Cemetery in Blyn and Gardiner Cemetery. Memorial Day is commemorated on the last Monday each May in Washington and most states.