The Garden of Remembrance, located at Benaroya Hall on Second Avenue between Union and University streets in the heart of downtown Seattle, will hold its annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 27, 2024, at 10 a.m. The ceremony honors the Washington State fallen heroes who have died while in service to their country. The overarching theme for this year’s commemoration is “Where Heroes Live Forever.” The distinguished keynote speakers will be Gold Star Parents, Brian and Shellie Starr, the parents of LCpl. Jeffrey Starr, who was killed in action in Iraq on Memorial Day, May 30, 2005. Additionally, the ceremony will honor and remember the 20th Anniversary of the Battle of Fallujah, Iraq, Operation Vigilant Resolve and the battle Operation Iraqi Freedom, which all happened during the Iraq War.
The observance will include a presentation of wreaths following the tolling of the bell, a performance by the Mountlake Terrace Brass Ensemble, and the performance of “Taps” by Seattle Symphony Trumpet Michael Myers. The ceremony is sponsored by the Garden of Remembrance Advisory Board, Benaroya Hall, the City of Seattle, the Gold Star Families of Washington and the Northwest Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. This event is ADA accessible, and there will be free parking in the Benaroya Hall Garage accessible on Union Street and Second Avenue.
