2025 CHS Memorial Ceremony at the Forest – Friday, May 23

The CHS Alumni Association invites you to honor our brave alumni who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the US military. Every Friday leading up to Memorial Day weekend, we gather at the CHS Memorial Forest for a heartfelt ceremony.

Our tradition includes inspiring guest speakers who share stories of our alumni in the armed forces, an Honor Guard that fires a salute, and a beautiful rendition of Taps played by Bernie Moskowitz ‘57.

During the ceremony, CHS students participate in a meaningful flag-folding exercise, presenting the flag to the survivor of a fallen loved one. This year we will be honoring the Murray family. Meredith (Murray) Blache (Class of 1981), her mother, Joanne (McCarthy) Murray (attended CHS through June 1955, would have been Class of 1957 but transferred to Highline High School), and their family will be presented with the flag in memory of Mr. Jay Murray (West Seattle Class of 1955, US Army, owner of Murray Photography who supported CHS and its students for many years).

The granite monument, which honors our fallen heroes, was established in 2017, thanks to the generosity of two anonymous alumni, with a protective coating provided by Frank & Haru Nishimura. Frank, who served with the esteemed 442nd Regimental Combat Team, honors his dear friend Yoshito Noritake, whose name is etched on our monument. The granite monument was installed as a replacement for the original bronze plaques stolen year ago from the “Cleveland Memorial Rock.” We invite everyone to join us in “The Trek” to the Rock, where this special place in the forest has served as a tribute to our heroes for many years. Following the ceremony, we provide refreshments for all students, staff, alumni and guests, donated by alumni and local businesses. We hope to see you there! 

“The only high school in the universe with a Memorial Forest honoring WW II heroes.” John R. Barton (1935-2024)