Washington State Veterans Cemetery

04/21/2026

During National Volunteer Week, we are proud to recognize LTC Phil Kowzan for his extraordinary service as a volunteer bugler at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake.

For 25 years, LTC Kowzan honored our nation’s heroes by playing Taps in person at more than 3,300 services, offering families a final tribute filled with dignity, respect, and gratitude.

Rudy Lopez, State Cemetery Administrator, shared:
“LTC Kowzan set a powerful example for others, dedicating himself through decades of service to others by honoring our nations heroes’ service and sacrifice to America with a final tribute on behalf of a grateful nation.”

Thank you, LTC Kowzan, for your years of dedication and for reminding us what it means to serve others.

Video credit: Airway Heights Police Department

Read Kozan's story at KHQ Local News: https://ow.ly/FHH250YNcBb

04/18/2026

Celebrate your service or the service of your loved one with an Armed Forces License Plate!

Plates are available in six styles – Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, or National Guard – and come with a sticker to indicate status, from ‘Active,’ to ‘Retired,’ to ‘Family’ and others.

Plates can be purchased by active-duty personnel, Veterans, as well as their family members.
Your celebration of service is also an act of service: purchase of an Armed Forces License Plate supports operations at the State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake as well and provides support for other Veteran-focused programs.

For more information visit dva.wa.gov/license-plates/armed-forces-license-plates

04/16/2026

The public is invited to join us for a Memorial Day ceremony at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery at Medical Lake, as we gather in remembrance and gratitude to honor those who gave their lives in service to our country.

Event details:

Date: Monday, May 25
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: State Veterans Cemetery
21702 W. Espanola Rd
Medical Lake, WA 99022

Please note that on-site parking is limited, with overflow parking available on Ritchey Road. Carpooling is encouraged. Pets and the use of to***co products on the grounds are prohibited.

Gravesite flags will be placed by members of the military on Friday, May 22. Media are welcome to cover the flag placement. Contact the cemetery for the specific time.

For additional information, contact (509) 299-6280 or [email protected]

03/19/2026

Join WDVA for a Tri-Cities Cemetery Town Hall next week on March 25! RSVP to our event and follow the event page for updates.

Send a message to learn more

02/25/2026

VA Burial Benefits are also available to Veterans and qualifying family members at WA State Veterans Cemetery, Medical Lake.

01/18/2026

Are you a survivor or relative of a Veteran who passed away while in service, or from their service-connected injuries? You could be eligible to receive free Gold Star License Plates and free or reduced registration.

Learn more: https://www.dva.wa.gov/license-plates/gold-star-plate

01/14/2026

The WDVA is excited to share an update on the pre-design process for the new Washington State Veterans Cemetery in the Tri-Cities, which began November 30, 2025, with Carve Architects.

This current phase provides the data needed to evaluate and compare two potential parcels and determine the most suitable site. Areas under review include site constraints, existing buildings, land use and codes, sustainability and energy, cultural resources, accessibility, technology, security, project delivery, schedule, hydrology, water rights, and other site-specific factors.

As part of this work, Carve Architects will submit cost estimates through the state Capital Budget System to support accurate budgeting and legislative planning. Cost analysis also considers location, utilities, views, neighborhood impacts, and community interest and support.

Key milestones include site visits and analysis in late 2025, cost estimates due January 12, 2026, and completion of the final pre-design report by April 30, 2026. This information will help inform the Legislature and Governor Bob Ferguson on the land, improvement, and construction costs needed to pursue federal VA grant funding.

We appreciate the continued support from community members, state legislators, and local leaders and look forward to sharing more updates as the pre-design process continues.

01/01/2026

Your support empowers us to honor and care for Those Who Served. As we welcome the new year, we’re grateful for every partner, Veteran, family member, and community ally who walks this path with us.

12/24/2025

Governor Ferguson is deeply saddened by the death of Washington State Trooper Tara-Marysa Guting, 29, and has her family in his thoughts during this difficult time. He hereby directs that Washington and United States flags at all state agency facilities be lowered to half-staff in her memory on Saturday, December 27, 2025.

Governor Ferguson has no objection to agencies lowering the flags at the close of business on Friday, December 26, 2025. Flags should remain at half-staff until close of business or sunset on Saturday, December 27, 2025, or first thing Monday morning, December 29th.

Please notify all of your field offices and facilities around the state.

Other government entities, individuals, and businesses are encouraged to join this recognition.

Please email [email protected] if you have any questions about this flag lowering.

12/20/2025

Happy Birthday, United States Space Force! 🚀

Today, we proudly celebrate the sixth anniversary of our nation’s newest military branch—the U.S. Space Force, established to protect America’s interests in the space domain and ensure our continued leadership beyond Earth’s atmosphere.

To all the Guardians who serve with dedication, innovation, and courage: thank you. Your commitment strengthens our national security and inspires future generations to reach higher.