Washington, D.C. – Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) spoke at the dedication of the first State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake, Washington today.  Rep. McMorris Rodgers joined other Washington State leaders, including Gov. Christine Gregoire and Col. Robert Thomas of Fairchild Air Force Base, to help honor America’s veterans, servicemembers, and their families.

“This cemetery is more than just a burial place for those who have fought to free the world of tyranny and terrorism and violence,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers.  “It will be a place where patriotism rests, where bravery is buried, where freedom is remembered.  It will serve as a reminder that we must honor our servicemen and women as proudly in death as we do in life.”

Starting in 2006, Rep. McMorris Rodgers worked with local veterans to secure the necessary funding for Washington’s first-ever state cemetery. In 2009, the Department of Veterans Affairs awarded an $8.8 million grant to complete the cemetery.  “I am pleased that this grant will ensure that our community’s heroes remain with their families – not only in life – but for eternity,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers.

Last year, Rep. McMorris Rodgers spoke at the cemetery’s groundbreaking.  The cemetery’s headstones will mark the names of over 90,000 veterans and their families – and over 140,000 retired veterans in Washington State are eligible to be buried here. 

“From this day forward, let us never forget those Washington heroes who inspire us and fight for us across the world,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers at today’s dedication.  “We owe you our freedom.  And you have our eternal gratitude.”