9/11 remembrance at Western State Hospital cemetery

On Saturday, September 11, the Grave Concerns Association invites the community to join in a special Remembrance Event at the Western State Hospital Cemetery in Fort Steilacoom Park. A special plaque will be dedicated next to the recently installed flagpole, honoring those who have served our communities, including military and law enforcement personnel. The ceremony will include a dove release by Michael McAndrews of White Dove Release in Des Moines.

The Grave Concerns Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring the historic Western State Hospital Patient Cemetery. Deteriorated numbered markers are being replaced with engraved stone monuments bearing the name, year of birth (where known) and year of death of each person. The project’s goal is to restore dignity for the deceased patients, their families and anyone whose life has been touched by mental health challenges.

The replacement markers are produced by Premier Memorial, a local monument company, at a very reasonable cost. Donations are welcome to provide additional markers. In all, about 3200 people are buried at the cemetery site. Prior to the event, a work party will continue the Perimeter Project, sponsored by Optimum Health. Mountain View Funeral Home, Memorial Park and Crematory in Lakewood also has provided help and support to the project.

According to Laurel Lemke, Chairperson of Grave Concerns, and Michael Hardie, Volunteer Coordinator, the work party starts at 10:00 AM, followed by the Dedication Ceremony at noon. Refreshments will be provided by Mountain View after the ceremony. Work not completed in the morning will then be continued.

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