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Memorial Veterans Council

  • American Lake VA Picnic Point Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA, 98433 United States (map)

We are never meant to shoulder our stories and grief alone.

Together, we at Veteran Rites and our partners at the American Lake VA Suicide Prevention Team have spent some time in contemplation and conversation around the true meaning of Memorial Day. After much in the way of listening and sharing it feels appropriate to extend this invitation….

This coming Memorial Day, Monday, May 29th , 2023, the military family is invited for a Memorial Veterans Council unlike anything many of you have yet to experience. This will be an opportunity to remember, honor, grieve, and celebrate our beloved friends and family members we’ve lost in service to our country during and after service. The is a simple council where we gather in nature with an opportunity to share the stories on our hearts in the presence of community that get it.

This Memorial Council will begin at 10:30am at Picnic Point at American Lake VA. We ask for folks feeling inspired to join us to arrive between 10:00am so we can begin at 10:30. We welcome all Veterans, Active Duty, Gold Star Mothers, Veteran Family Members, Survivors of Veteran Suicide Loss, and Service Animals (please no family pets) to join us in Honor of Memorial Day in the way we believe it was intended. This site is ADA Accessible with a shelter, portable bathrooms, and access to greenery and the lake.

This is an open invitation to be in the presence of community, share the stories of our departed, grieve, and celebrate without fear of judgment.

If called, please feel free to bring flowers, photos, or items of significance and remembrance of your loved ones. We would also be honored to take prayer requests, call in the names, or share stories of your loved ones should you not be able to attend or be able to speak.

Food, drinks and snacks will be provided for after our ceremony and we encourage those who feel called to bring a dish to share! All are welcome to enjoy time in nature and the water together or in solitude after.

Bring a camping chair please!

To get there: 
There is a turn on to Picnic Point road at this dropped pin. 
https://maps.app.goo.gl/SwVdWYLp8oF8KW467?g_st=ig

Stay to the right at the fork and you will get to the destination here: 
https://maps.app.goo.gl/6YbHgG4Frvawit2a9?g_st=ig

PLEASE RSVP BELOW AND SUBMIT REMEMBRANCE REQUESTS BELOW.

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