This annual ceremony at the Bandstand on the Vancouver Barracks Parade Ground honors men and women who have lost their lives in service of our country

The Community Military Appreciation Committee (CMAC) will present Vancouver’s Memorial Day Observance Monday (May 29) at 11 a.m. This annual ceremony at the Bandstand on the Vancouver Barracks Parade Ground honors men and women who have lost their lives in service of our country. Visitors may view the garrison flag raising, Washington Army National Guard Howitzer cannon firing, and a wreath laying ceremony in honor of fallen heroes. Vancouver’s Memorial Day Observance is free of charge. 

CMAC organizes this annual event with the support from those around the community like: The City of Vancouver, National Park Service (NPS), Clark County, Waste Connections, Boy Scouts of America, Young Marines, Chapter 7824 Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and 40 et 8. For over 170 years, the Vancouver Barracks has been a center for the military community. The Vancouver Barracks is now preserved by the National Park Service at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site Superintendent Tracy Fortmann said, “Vancouver Barracks is an incredibly special place and a crucial part of this national park. The Barracks are much more than a visible reminder of our shared 19th and 20th century military history, the Barracks serve us as a direct touchstone to our nation’s military past and the soldiers who have served and sacrificed for our country. Superintendent Fortmann added, “It is a tremendous honor to care for Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, and our responsibility goes far beyond caring for the buildings and landscapes through our stewardship, the history and stories of those who were here remain alive in perpetuity.”

Retired Army Colonel Larry J. Smith will be the Master of Ceremonies. Speakers at the event will include Superintendent Fortmann, Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle, with a keynote by Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez. There will be special remarks by Meredith McMackin, a Gold Star mother. Boy Scouts of America Troops 479 and 5479 are raising and lowering the garrison flag, an important symbol of our community’s military history. There will be a dove release and color guards, as well as military medleys played by the 204th Army Band.

Larry Smith stated, “The Memorial Day Observance honors those who have given their lives for our country, and the event also provides us with an opportunity to show our respect and support for the men and women of our armed forces.”

Parking is available starting at 9 a.m. at Hudson’s Bay High School, where attendees may ride a C-Tran shuttle to and from the event site.

CMAC is an all-inclusive group composed of members representing youth, education, civic, military, veteran groups, and local governments. CMAC executes and plans community-wide events, such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Our Community Salutes, and POW/MIA Day ceremonies, as well as recognition and support of military families of all services. Learn more about CMAC at www.cmac11.com. 

Information provided by Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.