Memorial Day Observance at Myrtle Grove Memorial Cemetery (Eureka)

This is a press release from Myrtle Grove Memorial Cemetery:

Photo from the Myrtle Grove Memorial Cemetery Facebook Page

Over two hundred veterans will be honored in a brief program on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27 at Myrtle Grove Memorial Cemetery in Eureka. The 11:30 a.m. program will feature the presentation of colors and the laying of a memorial wreath by the Redwood Veterans Honor Guard. A special recognition will be made of the eleven World War II veterans at the cemetery. The veterans’ graves will be decorated with American flags beginning on Saturday, May 25. Cemetery historical information and docent services will be available on Memorial Day. The cemetery, located at Myrtle Avenue and Cousins Street (just west of West Avenue), is open to the public every day of the year from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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Background: Myrtle Grove Memorial Cemetery was established in 1861 as Eureka’s first organized burial ground. Among the over 6,000 buried within the 9-1/2 acre grounds, are numerous of Eureka and Humboldt County’s pioneers, community leaders, business persons, fraternal organization members, and political and religious leaders. Among the 216 veterans are veterans of the Civil War (at least 169), Spanish-American War, Indian Wars, and World Wars I and II. Originally a private ownership cemetery, major renovations were made in 1957 and it has been owned since then by the City of Eureka. Beginning in 2015, volunteers have been engaged in cemetery restoration, gravestone finding and renovation, landscape maintenance, public education, and memorial programs. Labor and financial contributions have been made by local service clubs, businesses, individuals, and the City of Eureka. Additional volunteers are always welcome. Information is available at the cemetery Facebook page and at [email protected].

Advisory: Limited parking is available within the cemetery grounds. Additional parking is available on adjacent streets, at the Cooper Gulch Recreation Area, and at the Humboldt County Office of Education (across Myrtle Avenue)