YAKIMA, Wash.-Civil War veterans buried in the Tahoma Cemetery have not been forgotten. On Memorial Day, the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War rededicated the headstone of former Union soldier William Matthews in a ceremony.
The service featured full military honors and laid an American flag, an evergreen and laurel wreath and a single rose in front of the headstone. A star of the Grand Army of the Republic was also installed as members from the Fort Walla Walla Camp 3 directed the event.
“The symbol, the flag and the GAR star represent the fidelity and loyalty to the union,” says Fort Walla Walla Camp Historian Jim Dimond. “This particular marker, this Grand Army star, came out of a Grand Army Hall and was always used at burials just like this or when they dedicated a marker.”
Matthews died in 1931 after first volunteering for the Minnesota Infantry. He was later part of the largest unit sent from the state to Chatanooga, Tennessee for combat.
Starting as a private, Matthews was named Quartermaster within three months. After the war, Matthews found himself on the West side of the country, where he was buried in the Tahoma Cemetery.
“This is the resting place of over 100 Civil War veterans who, after the Civil War came west, settled in the Yakima Valley as pioneers.” says Brian Teegarden with Fort Walla Walla.
Remembering fallen soldiers is the focus of rededicating headstones. SUVCW says a Yakima solider has been honored every Memorial Day for the last four years.
Many participants remembering their ancestors on the day of remembrance.
“I joined because I wanted to honor my second great grandfather, who was a union soldier from Wisconsin,” says Teegarden. “We started this ceremony to honor the Civil War vets, honor those who are lying here.”
SUVCW says the Memorial Day event will continue in 2025, with eyes on rededicating the headstone just next to Matthews.
