Cleveland High School is the only high school in the universe with a Memorial Forest honoring our World War II heroes. Every Friday preceding the Memorial Day weekend, the CHS Alumni Association has a ceremony at the CHS Memorial Forest to honor alumni* who lost their lives while serving in the US military. Our tradition typically includes guest speakers to tell stories about some of our alumni who have served in the armed forces of the USA. An Honor Guard fires a salute to our fallen heroes, and Bernie Moskowitz ‘57 plays Taps. CHS students participate in a flag-folding exercise before it is presented to a survivor of a fallen loved one.
Our new granite monument naming our fallen heroes was installed in 2017, thanks to a generous donation from two alumni who wish to remain anonymous. A protective coating was provided by Frank & Haru Nishimura. Frank served in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team with good friend Yoshito Noritake who is listed on the monument.
Everyone is encouraged to make the trek to the Rock. The bronze plaques naming our fallen war heroes are no longer there, but it’s good to see this special place in the forest where our heroes were honored for so many years. Following the ceremony, refreshments are served to students, CHS staff, and guests. In some years, we have had four busloads of students but only one or two buses in most years. We are hopeful for a good turnout this year.
The CHS Alumni Association pays all expenses.
The maps below show our Memorial Forest is located between Issaquah and Fall City.
For a day you will long remember, join us for the ceremony at the CHS Memorial Forest!
CHS Alumni Association Memorial Ceremony at the Forest
Friday, May 24, 2024, 11:00 AM
28322 SE Issaquah-Fall City Road, Fall City, WA
*Our fallen heroes of WW II are documented in the book Honored Dead by our own Pat Rosenkranz ‘49.
