Joint Base Lewis-McChord will host a Memorial Day Ceremony Monday at Camp Lewis Cemetery at 11:30 a.m. on JBLM Lewis Main. During the ceremony a wreath will be placed adjacent to the Camp Lewis Cemetery flagpole honoring the Soldiers, Airmen, Civilians, men, and women who have served and made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the United States of America.
The I Corps Band will provide the music, and an Army & Air Force Honor Guard will present the colors. A salute battery will fire a 21-gun salute to honor fallen comrades, followed by the playing of Taps.
In addition to the ceremony on JBLM, Soldiers and Airmen will participate in several Memorial Day observances throughout the Puget Sound region, to include supporting the Pierce County Memorial Day Ceremony in Lakewood.
VISTORS:
Visitors who want to attend the JBLM ceremony will be required to obtain a pass from JBLM Visitors Center at exit 120 on Interstate 5. Signs will direct attendees to the cemetery.
You can only attend the ceremony if you know someone buried in the cemetery and if you’re accompanied on base by a sponsor, and you provide immense amounts of paperwork — driver’s license or enhanced driver’s license or passport combo; car title, car insurance, etc. I tried to attend and wasn’t allowed because of the first two items. I’m not military but have attended the ceremony for years, until this year when I was not allowed.