Volunteers clean up Machias Cemetery

On May 15, over 40 members from Snohomish’s VFW Post 921, aided by Home Depot volunteers, undertook a significant cleanup at the Machias Community Cemetery. Their tasks included cutting back blackberries, cleaning gravesites, and placing 160 flags on veteran graves, demonstrating a strong commitment to honoring local veterans. The cemetery, founded in the late 1800s, was recently transferred to VFW management after being maintained by a community-led board for 40 years. VFW Commander Chris Cote emphasized the value of this service in honoring those who served. American Legion Post 181 in Lake Stevens is set to conduct a Memorial Day ceremony at the cemetery, further highlighting the importance of this site.

This initiative not only addresses immediate maintenance needs but also fosters community engagement and pride in local history. The VFW’s involvement ensures the cemetery will receive the care it deserves moving forward. Such actions reflect a broader trend of veteran organizations taking active roles in local heritage preservation.