Honoring our Veterans at the Myrtle Grove Memorial Cemetery

EUREKA, Calif. (KIEM) – The Myrtle Grove Memorial Cemetery was the first formal cemetery in Eureka, established in 1861. Today they honor our veterans in a special way. 

The cemetery is the resting place for over six thousand people. Three hundred of them are veterans.  

Milton Phegley, a volunteer at the cemetery, says that the place is “a treasure trove of Eureka and Humboldt County history.”

On veterans day the cemetery volunteers place flags on the graves of those who served.

“It’s to remember them, to honor them for their service,” said Phegley. “Everyone who is buried here in the cemetery has a story. And it’s especially true with the veterans.”

Soldiers from various battles lay to rest at the Myrtle Grove Memorial Cemetery.

“Veterans of the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, the Mexican-American War, the Indian Wars, World War One, and World War Two,” said Phegley.

About eighty-five military graves are missing headstones, but that does mean they are forgotten. 

“We mark those graves with temporary headstones together with the flag,” said Phegley. “And our long-term goal is to get military headstones for those veterans who do not have headstones.”

The cemetery is open to the public every day of the year.

“People are more than welcome to come to the cemetery, learn about the history, and see the history here. And if you want to bring a picnic lunch,” said Phegley. 

The Myrtle Grove Memorial Cemetery Facebook page can be found here:

https://www.facebook.com/myrtlegrovememorialcemetery

They are always welcoming new volunteers.