SPOKANE, Wash. — As Memorial Day weekend begins, children from the Northeast Youth Center found a meaningful way to honor America’s veterans—by visiting Fairmount Memorial Park and paying tribute at the graves of those who served.
On Friday, a busload of students walked through rows of headstones, pausing at each veteran’s grave. The children read names aloud, shared birth and death dates, and placed small American flags and pennies on the markers.
“It felt really good, because just knowing that they died for us, it made me feel good,” said 10-year-old Raeleigh Fry.
For these students, saying each name was a way to ensure the sacrifices of veterans are not forgotten. The tradition of leaving a penny on a grave carries special meaning, too. It’s a quiet signal that someone visited and remembered.
“It’s very respectful to celebrate the people that fought for us in our life,” said 8-year-old Poet Hurley.
This marks the seventh year the Northeast Youth Center has organized the tribute. Some children, like fifth grader Tiernan Fischer, have participated since preschool.
“Memorial Day is a very good holiday because it’s honorable. We can honor our family members and all the other veterans that serve for this country. It’s a very loving thing,” Fischer said.
The ceremony ended with a performance of “Taps” by retired Army Lt. Col. Phil Kowzan. He’s played it at more than 3,100 funerals.
“I just don’t want to see anybody go without it,” Kowzan said.
As the final notes echoed across the cemetery, the children stood quietly, hands over their hearts, reflecting on the lives and service of those who gave everything for their country.
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