News Release
NPS Photo / Junelle Lawry
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Contact: Aaron Ochoa, 360-816-6233
Contact: Marlene Varga, 360-600-7950
The Community Military Appreciation Committee (CMAC) will present Vancouver's Memorial Day Observance Monday, May 30, 2022, at 11 am. 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 of its partners: the City of Vancouver, National Park Service (NPS), Clark County, Waste Connections, Boy Scouts of America, Young Marines, and 40 et 8. For over 170 years, the Vancouver Barracks has been a center for military community. The Vancouver Barracks is now preserved by the National Park Service at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. NPS Facility Manager Alex Patterson shared, "Events like Memorial Day showcase the modern relevance of this historic site, and the enduring connection between the military post and this community."
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site Superintendent Tracy Fortmann said, “Vancouver Barracks is an incredibility special place for our community and our nation. The historic structures at the Vancouver Barracks hold invaluable stories of service, family, strength, and sacrifice. The post is much more than just a collection of buildings; they are a visible reminder of our shared 19th and 20th century military history.” Superintendent Fortmann added, “The National Park Service preserves and shares our nation’s history, including the service of the many soldiers and their families.”
Retired Army Colonel Larry J. Smith and Retired Air Force Colonel Mike Burton will be the Master of Ceremonies. Speakers at the event will include Superintendent Tracy Fortmann, Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle, Clark County Council Chair Karen Dill Bowerman, with a keynote by Colonel Todd A. Hofford, United States Air Force. There will be special remarks by Melissa Scholl-Bellah, a Gold Star spouse. Megan Phan, 6th grader from the Vancouver Vietnamese community will sing the National Anthem. Vancouver Police Officer Rey Reynolds will sing God Bless America. 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. Young Marines will be present to generously volunteer their time for event set-up.
Complimentary light lunch items will be available to the public, courtesy of the Vancouver Lions, Red Cross Cascades Region, and the Military Officers Association of America.
Larry Smith stated, “After a two year absence from the Vancouver Barracks Parade Field because of COVID protocols, it will be great to see families, neighbors, and friends in person again to honor those service members who have given their lives to our country. Freedom is not free… and never forget.”
C-Tran busses #25, 32, and 37 will provide transportation directly to the Bandstand that day. Parking is available 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.
Last updated: May 25, 2022