Tahoma National Cemetery presents Memorial Day ceremony

For the Reporter

Tahoma National Cemetery presents a Memorial Day program to remember and honor military members who have served or are serving the country.

The ceremony begins at 1 p.m. Monday, May 30, at the cemetery’s main flag pole assembly area.

Tahoma National Cemetery is a commemorative partner with the Department of Defense for the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War. This year’s ceremony includes a special segment to honor Vietnam War era veterans who served between Nov. 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975.

Keynote speaker is Lourdes E. ‘Alfie’ Alvarado-Ramos, the director of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs. Alvarado-Ramos was born in Puerto Rico and served 22 years on active duty retiring in August 1993 as the command sergeant major of the Madigan Army Medical Center and Troop Command at Joint Base Lewis McChord. During her military career, she was the recipient of awards and decorations that include the Legion of Merit.

Alvarado-Ramos is alumni of the Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government Executive Program, the University of Washington Executive Management Program and holds a master’s degree in Health Care Administration. She is a member of Gov. Jay Inslee’s Executive Cabinet and chairs the Washington State Military Transition Council. She also serves as lead for the Governor’s Healthy and Safe Communities Goal Council.

Guest speaker is Nataly Morales representing Sen. Patti Murray (D-Wash.).

Parking space is limited in the cemetery. Visitors should plan on walking to and from your parking spot to the ceremony. Parking is available for disabled passengers and drivers with a shuttle to and from the ceremony assembly area.

For more information, call Tahoma National Cemetery at 425-413-9614.