Memorial Day weekend ushers in summer throughout Yakima Valley, but it’s also a time to remember soldiers who gave their all. The annual Yakima Memorial Day parade begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, starting at Yakima and Sixth Avenues. The hour-long event is sponsored by the Marine Corps.

In the Lower Valley, you’ll find members of the American Legion, AMVETS, and Veterans of Foreign Wars placing over 1,600 flags on veterans’ graves throughout cemeteries in Outlook and Sunnyside. Community members are welcome to join, meeting at 6 a.m. on Saturday at the Lower Valley Memorial Gardens on Van Belle Road. Flags stay on the graves until 6 p.m. Sunday evening.

A Tribute to Fallen Soldiers

Following the flag-placing event, the VFW Hall hosts a complimentary breakfast to everyone who paid tribute. There are also two events on Monday hosted by the flag-placing sponsors, including the Outlook Cemetery tribute at 9:30 a.m. Afterward, many visit the Lower Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery at 11 a.m. for a mid-day commemoration.

On Monday, the Sunnyside Museum is open from 12 – 3 p.m. with a special World War 1 display, hosted by Yakima veterans. You’ll notice the American Legion lowering city flags to half-mast at sunrise then raising them at noon throughout town.

How will you celebrate the last holiday in spring?