Local veteran’s sacrifices and service were honored on Monday, May 28, at Issaquah’s Memorial Day ceremony held at Lower Hillside Cemetery.

The event, which was free and open to the public, was hosted by the local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3436. In addition, Liberty High School Junior ROTC members presented colors and a 21-gun salute.

David Waggoner, one of the organizers of the event, led volunteers in placing markers on the graves of veterans at the cemetery on Saturday morning. The group of volunteers placed 550 markers in just over two hours.

Waggoner along with others such as Navy veteran and former 5th District representative Chad Magendanz, spoke to attendees of the event about the meaning behind Memorial Day and shared some personal reflections of their time serving their country.

Veterans attending the memorial day event perform a salute. William Shaw/Staff Photo

Navy Veteran and former 5th District Representative Chad Magendanz gives a reading and personal reflection. William Shaw/Staff Photo

The Boy Scout Color Guard enter the Memorial Day event at Lower Hillside Cemetery. William Shaw/Staff Photo The Liberty High School Junior ROTC enter the Memorial Day event at Flintofts Funeral Home. William Shaw/Staff Photo

There are 524 local veterans buried in the Lower Hillside Cemetery, as of 2017. Photo courtesy of Dave Waggoner