Memorial Day Events in Veterans Integrated Services Network (VISN) 20

Memorial Day

Washington

Vancouver Barracks National Cemetery
May 26, 2025, 10:00 am - 11:00 am PDT
1455 E 4th Plain Blvd.
Vancouver, WA 98663

Vancouver Barracks was established in 1849 as the first U.S. Army post in the Pacific Northwest. VA has been serving Veterans in Vancouver since May 1946 when President Harry Truman authorized the transfer of the U.S. Army Barnes General Hospital to VA. Vancouver Barracks closed as an active post in 2011. The cemetery contains more than 1,500 occupied gravesites, including U.S. military personnel, civilians, foreign personnel, German and Italian POW's, Native Americans and Unknowns. A UH-1 Huey, flown by U.S. Navy Helicopter Attack Squadron Light Three HA(L)-3 Seawolves, is exhibited nearby at VA's Vancouver Medical Center at the end of POW/MIA Road near the Military Museum. The VA's comprehensive reform plan, signed by President Donald Trump in March of 2017, directed the transfer of the perpetual care and operation of Army post cemeteries and one prisoner of war cemetery located on former active Army installations. The U.S. Army transferred Vancouver Barracks National Cemetery to VA's NCA in March 2020.

Fort Worden Post Cemetery
May 26, 2025 - 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm PDT
1300-1398 W St
Port Townsend, WA 98368

Construction of the Fort Worden military defense installation began in 1896. It was one of three major fortifications protecting Puget Sound. The three, Fort Casey, Fort Flagler, and Fort Worden eventually became known as the triangle of fire, protecting the Puget Sound entrance from feared Spanish American War naval attacks, and any naval attacks from other nations. Port Townsend was home to one of largest U.S. Marine Hospitals of the Pacific Northwest. The Fort Worden Post Cemetery is located in the Fort Worden State Park at Port Townsend, Washington on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The U.S. Army transferred Fort Worden Post to VA's NCA in August 2020. 

Fort Lawton Post Cemetery
May 26, 2025, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm PDT
Texas Way
Seattle, WA 98199

The Fort Lawton Post Cemetery is located in the city of Seattle, Washington, in King County. The Fort Lawton Post Cemetery is approximately 3 acres in size and situated on the West Point Peninsula in Seattle, between Texas Way and Discovery Park Boulevard. Located in a wooded area, the FLPC is bordered by Discovery Park to the west and south and the Magnolia neighborhood (residential) to the east. During World War II, at least 20,000 troops at a time were stationed at Fort Lawton, with more than 1 million troops passing through both before and after the war. It was the second-largest port of embarkation for US forces and materiel to the Pacific Theater during the war. The U.S. Army transferred Fort Lawton Post Cemetery to VA's NCA in June 2019.

Tahoma National Cemetery
May 26, 2025, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm PDT
18600 SE 240th St
Kent, WA 98042

Tahoma National Cemetery was established November 11, 1993, and opened for interments on October 1, 1997. The cemetery was dedicated on September 26, 1997. A small expansion project was completed in March 2006. The $6 million project included over 12,000 new columbarium niches, more than 5,000 pre-placed crypts, road improvements, new signage, a third committal shelter and a third funeral cortege lane at the Public Information Center. Phase II of the expansion project was completed in June, 2014. The $24 million project included over 14,000 new columbarium niches, more than 9,000 pre-placed crypts, 6,000 in-ground garden cremation sites, two memorial walls and an ossuary. Two new roads for accessing the new burial sections were constructed using permeable asphalt. The three new columbarium complexes contain rain gardens and bio swales to help mitigate the need for storm water runoff and retention ponds.

Idaho

Snake River Canyon National Cemetery
May 26, 2025, 11:00 am - 12:00 MDT
1585 E Elm St (E 4150 N)
Buhl, ID 83316

The cemetery is designed to accommodate 2,300 casketed gravesites, 2,070 in-ground cremation burial spaces and 2,170 columbaria niche spaces. Snake River Canyon National Cemetery is the first national cemetery in Idaho and is part of the VA National Cemetery Administration Rural Initiative to provide access to VA burial benefits for Veterans who reside in rural areas and who have not previously had reasonable access to a national or state Veterans cemetery. The VA purchased the 8-acre parcel on September 30, 2016. The first phase of construction began in June of 2017 and was completed in March 2020. Since Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon, oversees this cemetery, the cemetary office is located off-site.

Oregon

Fort Stevens National Cemetery
May 26, 2025, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT
1198 Russell Dr
Hammond, OR 97121

The headstones and the life histories of those at rest relates the history of the lower Columbia River and coastal area. This hallowed ground is the final resting place for local men and women who served in the military, as well as military spouses and children. There are also those who sacrificed their lives to save others and civilian builders who gave their lives to construct Columbia River defenses. The victims of the Graveyard of the Pacific (the treacherous mouth of the Columbia River) are also buried here. A stroll through the Fort Stevens Cemetery is calming. It offers one an opportunity to reflect on life. Here is a place of peace populated by war fighters. A small cemetery with 273 headstones recalls patriotism, heroism, and service. The U.S. Army transferred Fort Stevens National Cemetery to VA's NCA in September 2020.

Eagle Point National Cemetery
May 26, 2025, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm PDT
2763 Riley Rd.
Eagle Point, OR 97524

Eagle Point National Cemetery is located 14 miles northeast of Medford, Oregon, in Jackson County. The cemetery opened in 1952 as an adjunct to VA's Domiciliary at White City about four miles away. The VA operated the cemetery until 1973 when it was transferred to the new National Cemetery System and renamed White City National Cemetery. A memorial dedicated to All Unknown Veterans was erected at the cemetery in 1980 by Disabled American Veterans. On March 19, 1985, the name was changed again to Eagle Point National Cemetery to convey a more accurate sense of its location. Military Funeral Honors can be provided by Veterans of Foreign Wars, The American Legion, Marine Corps League and the National Guard.

Roseburg National Cemetery
May 26, 2025, 10:00 am - 11:00 am PDT 
913 NW Garden Valley Blvd
Roseburg, OR 97471

Roseburg National Cemetery is located in Douglas County, Oregon, approximately one-half mile from the VA Medical Center in Roseburg. Roseburg National Cemetery was established in 1897. In 1933, the National Soldiers Home in Roseburg was transferred to VA; the cemetery attached to the grounds was included in the move. In September 1973, the cemetery was transferred to the National Cemetery System within VA. Burial in a VA national cemetery is open to all members of the armed forces who have met a minimum active duty service requirement and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Members of the reserve components of the armed forces who die while on active duty or who die while on training duty, or were eligible for retired pay, may also be eligible for burial.

Willamette National Cemetery
May 26, 2025, 10:00 am - 11:00 pm PDT
11800 SE Mt. Scott Blvd.
Portland, OR

Willamette National Cemetery is located about 10 miles southeast of Portland, Oregon, in Multnomah and Clackamas County. In 1949, the state of Oregon donated approximately 102 acres. Construction work started in 1950, and the area was officially designated Willamette National Cemetery on December 14, 1950. The first burial occurred in 1951. An additional 68 acres were dedicated in 1997 and include additional burial sections and columbaria. The latest addition to the cemetery was the 2011 purchase of 38 adjacent acres that are held for future development. Willamette National Cemetery is home to the Oregon Korean Veterans Memorial. This series of polished, black granite walls memorializes 283 Oregon servicemen and women who lost their lives in that conflict. Willamette National Cemetery is designated a Blue Star Memorial Highway site.

Alaska

Fort Richardson National Cemetery
May 26, 2025, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm AKDT
Bldg 58-512 Davis Hwy
Fort Richardson, AK 99505

On May 28, 1984, Fort Richardson Post Cemetery became Fort Richardson National Cemetery under the administration of the National Cemetery System. Fort Richardson National Cemetery is surrounded by an active Military Installation. Access to the cemetery through the post is sometimes restricted, depending upon the Army's security status. All individuals who do not possess a current active duty, military retiree or family identification card must be able to show proper civilian identification along with vehicle registration and proof of insurance before access to the post is permitted. Army and Air Force veterans are provided with the minimum military funeral honors designated by law. This includes two persons to fold and present the flag and a bugler to play or a quality taped rendering of "Taps." Retirees and active duty persons are provided with additional honors to include pallbearers and a rifle team at the family's request. Chaplain service will only be provided to retirees and active duty upon request. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard veterans are provided with military funeral honors in the form of a flag presenter from the branch of service in which the deceased veteran served.

Half-Staff

In the early days of our country, no regulations existed for flying the flag at half-staff and, as a result, there were many conflicting policies. On March 1, 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower issued a proclamation on the proper times. Whenever the flag is displayed at Half-Staff, it should be first raised to the top. Lowering from Half-Staff is preceded by first raising it momentarily to the top. Generally the position of the flag is at Half-Staff when the middle point of the hoist of the flag is halfway between the top of the staff and the foot.

On Memorial Day, the flag should be displayed at Half-staff until Noon. Immediately before Noon, the band, if one is available, will play an appropriate musical selection, and at 1200 hours the national salute (21 guns) will be fired at all installations provided with the necessary equipment for firing salutes. At the conclusion of the salute, the flag will be hoisted to the top of the staff and will remain there until retreat.  The flag should again be raised to the top of the staff before it is lowered for the day. While the flag of the United States is being lowered from the staff and folded, no portion of it should be allowed to touch the ground. The flag should be folded in the triangular shape of a cocked hat. For additional information, please visit the US Flag and Holidays homepage.

VA Regional Offices

The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) helps service members transition out of military service, and assists with Veterans with education, home loans, life insurance and much more. Service members, Veterans, their families, and Survivors are invited to request information on VA Benefits including disability compensation, pension, fiduciary, education, Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E), Home Loans, and Insurance. In addition to information on VA Benefits Veterans may initiate an intent to file and request assistance with filing compensation and pension claims. Visit regional office websites to learn about the services the regional office provides, directions to the facility, hours of operation, and the leadership team that serves the regional office.

Find out if you can get VA health care as a Veteran

The following four categories of Veterans are not required to enroll but are urged to do so to permit better planning of health resources:

1. Veterans with a service-connected (SC) disability rated at 50% or more.
2. Veterans seeking care for a disability the military determined was incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, but which VA has not yet rated, within 12 months of discharge.
3. Veterans seeking care for a SC disability only or under a special treatment authority.
4. Veterans seeking health registry examinations. VA’s health registry evaluation is a free, voluntary medical assessment for Veterans who may have been exposed to certain environmental hazards during military service. The evaluations alert Veterans to possible long-term health problems that may be related to exposure to specific environmental hazards during their military service. VA has established several health registries to track and monitor the health of specific groups of Veterans. You may be eligible to participate in one or more of these health registries: Agent Orange Registry, Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry, Gulf War Registry (includes Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn), Ionizing Radiation Registry, Depleted Uranium Follow-Up Program, and Toxic Embedded Fragment Surveillance Center. Use the chart below to help determine your eligibility.

Find out how to apply for VA health care benefits as a Veteran or service member. For other mental health services, contact a VA medical center for information on eligibility and treatment options.

Vet Centers in VISN 20

Vet Centers in VISN 20 are community-based counseling centers that provide a wide range of social and psychological services, including professional readjustment counseling to eligible Veterans, active-duty Army, Navy, Marine Corp, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard service members, including National Guard and Reserve components, and their families. 1-877-927-8387 is an around the clock confidential call center where combat Veterans and their families can call to talk about their military experience or any other issue they are facing in their readjustment to civilian life. The staff is comprised of combat Veterans from several eras as well as families members of combat Veterans. This benefit is prepaid through the Veteran’s military service.

Alaska

Idaho

Oregon

Washington

Plan your trip to VA

In 1946, Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) was established by law to provide comfort and well-being to America’s Veterans. With our many retail stores, cafés and coffee shops across the country, we serve those who have served our country. We are a self-sustaining entity providing merchandise and services to Veterans enrolled in VA’s healthcare system, their families, caregivers, VA employees, volunteers and visitors. We are honored to give back to the VA community through many programs established for the health and well-being of our nation’s heroes. Revenues generated from VCS are used to support a variety of programs, such as VA’s Rehabilitation Games, Fisher Houses, Poly-Trauma Centers for OIF/OEF/OND Veterans, disaster relief efforts, Substance Abuse Cessation, VA’s Homelessness initiatives, Women Veterans, Veteran Suicide Prevention and other activities.

Hospital Service Directory

To find out whether there is a van near you use the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Hospital Service Coordinator Directory to contact your nearest HSC for information or assistance. Please remember that the DAV Transportation Network is staffed by volunteers; therefore, it is unable to cover every community. The vans are driven by volunteers, and the rides coordinated by more than 133 Hospital Service Coordinators around the country. Our nation’s heroes travel around the globe to protect our freedoms—it’s only right that we return their dedication. Volunteering to drive a Vet ensures that even those living remotely from VA hospitals can make their appointments and never go without the treatment they need. Learn more about the DAV transportation network through the VISN 20 NewsFlash Resources section.

Today's VHA - the largest of the three administrations that comprise the VA - continues to meet Veterans' changing medical, surgical, and quality-of-life needs. VHA is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. There are 18 Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs) in VHA operating as regional systems of care to better meet local health care needs and provides greater access to care. In the Pacific Northwest, VISN 20 serves Veterans in Alaska, Oregon, Washington, most of Idaho, and one county each in California and Montana. Spanning 23% of the US land mass, VISN 20 is the largest geographic region of VA. Operating across three time zones over 817,417 square miles, VISN 20 is home to 273 federally recognized American Indian and Alaskan Native tribes. According to DoD, American Indians and Alaska Natives have one of the highest representations in the United States Armed Forces. VA consults with American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments to develop partnerships that enhance access to services and benefits by Veterans and their families. VA is committed to ensuring that Native American Veterans and their families are able to utilize all benefits and services they are entitled to receive. As of the end of FY2024, 39% of VISN 20 enrollees resided in rural or highly rural areas.

Community Care (Mission Act)

The MISSION Act became law in 2018, bringing the VA’s previous Veterans Choice Program to an end and establishing the Community Care Program. VA provides health care for Veterans from providers in your local community outside of VA. Veterans may be eligible to receive care from a community provider when VA cannot provide the care needed. This care is provided on behalf of and paid for by VA. Community care is also available to Veterans based on certain conditions and eligibility requirements, and in consideration of a Veteran’s specific needs and circumstances. VA offers urgent care services to eligible Veterans at in-network urgent care clinics to treat minor injuries and illnesses that are not life-threatening, such as colds, strep throat, sprained muscles, and skin and ear infections. Community care must be first authorized by VA before a Veteran can receive care from a community provider.

Browse facilities by state

VA Puget Sound Health Care System (VAPSHCS) serves Veterans from a five-state area in the Pacific Northwest with two main divisions: American Lake VA Medical Center and Seattle VA Medical Center. Veterans Medical Centers are also located in Spokane, Vancouver, and Walla Walla. VA Outpatient Clinics and Vet Centers are located in Bellingham, Bellevue, Bremerton, Edmunds, Everett, Federal Way, Lacey, Mount Vernon, Olympia, Port Angeles, Puyallup, Richland, Renton, Silverdale, Seattle, Spokane, Union Gap, Vancouver, Walla Walla, Wenatchee, and Yakima.

VA Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS) serves Veterans in Oregon and Southwest Washington with two main divisions: Portland VA Medical Center and Vancouver VA Medical Center. Veterans Medical Centers are also located in Roseburg, White City, and Vancouver, Washington. VA Outpatient Clinics and Vet Centers are located in Astoria, Bend, Boardman, Brookings, Eugene, Fairview, Grants Pass, Hines, Hillsboro, Klamath Falls, LaGrande, Lincoln City, Newport, Portland, Salem, The Dalles, and West Linn.