The Willamette National Cemetery is a resting place for deceased military and their spouses. The administrative building is near the entrance. You can pick up a map here and get information on where your loved ones are buried. It is also the starting point for setting up services. We were here on a Monday morning for military funeral honors for recently deceased Air Force Lt Col Keith McCormick. His remains had been cremated, so the ceremony was slightly different than what you might have seen on television since there was no casket. We were given a map and directed to drive to a staging point sign where we were to remain in our cars until the director showed up. Once there, he guided the car procession to a covered pavilion where the ceremony took place. The wood pavilion was on a steep hill. This was challenging for some friends and family who used canes and walkers. We were told to be sure to have individuals with walking limitations ride in the first few cars so they wouldn't have as far to walk. November in Oregon is beautiful with the changing colors of the tree leaves. The pavilion was surrounded in gold and red trees. It was a cool, clear day, but the covered pavilion would have offered us shelter from the rain and the cold had we needed it. There were a few benches for the primary family members to sit on. The rest of us squeezed into the structure lining the back wall and beyond. In front was a small table where Keith's remains sat. Two airmen (both women actually) walked in formation to the front of the pavilion where they did the unfurling, folding, and presentation of the US flag. Off in the distance about 50 yards to the left of the structure, there were 3 airmen dressed in ceremonial uniform. They held their rifles in the air, discharged them and did the final gun salute. An airman also played taps on the bugle. It was a very quick, dignified ceremony that took less than 30 minutes. Apparently this is provided for FREE to all active military and veterans. This is a valuable benefit and only take a small bit of preparation and completion of forms to reserve ones plot, to have a headstone made, and to organize the military honors ceremony. read more

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Every time I pay visits I get greeted by very knowledgeable staff, they answer to all of your questions and inquiries and go above and beyond and beyond when helping you find information about your loved ones. The value of services are highly appreciated and recommended. Unlike other national cemeteries, this one by far are very organized and if issues come up, they try to work with your requests or try to follow up with you they don't have all the answers. read more

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Beautiful grounds. No headstones only flat plaques allowed. Rude employees in the office. Had two relatives buried here. Office people are horrible. No respect for the family. Guys digging the hole were awesome and very respectful. read more

Willamette National Cemetery - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - Happy Valley, Oregon

The ground's looks amazing you can tell they really take prid in what they do. And the staff are so very kind

My father passed away in December 2024. I was told I would recieve a map to find hus burial site. It's almost end of March and nothing. I called and inquired about it. The lady I talked to seemed in a hurry to get the phone call over with as she quickly told me his location. I had to ask 3 times in that short conversation if they would send me a map. She quickly said my home address almost too fast for me to understand and as if it's putting her out of her way she said they will try again to send me a map. Sorry for the inconvenience lady!!! Only 1 star so I can post this review. I hope it was just her having a bad day and not the rest of the staff!! read more

My mom is buried here, with her mom and dad. I come from a military family...I always think of them and I am so proud of their love for country.My mom died when I was 10. She was a nurse in WWII. This National Cemetery is BEAUTIFUL, Oregon is lush green and you can see the Cascade mountains...mom loved Oregon. This place is special. read more

Willamette National Cemetery - Entrance - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - Happy Valley, Oregon

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Peaceful. Well tended. You can feel the Care and respect. A place of connection and rest. read more

Absolutely beautiful resting place for our fallen hero's. This where my wife and I plan to be buried.

The day I went, the women's toiletseat was spray painted brown by someone. The other toilet had no toilet paper. By the odor of the person in the only remaining stall, I decided I'd rather have a bladder infection. The cemetery is huge, and because we aren't from here, and don't visit often, we NEED the directory in order to get to my husband's father's interment site. The computerized directory would not print out a map, so we had to snap a photo on his cell phone in order to find his dad. So inconvenient. Anyway, the park is nice and that's why you get 3 stars. Two stars less for a nasty loo and the printer being out of paper read more

I went back again for the first time in 4 years to see the graves of a couple people who had recently died. The place is enormous, so you'll probably spend a good amount of time trekking around, especially if you have more than one grave to visit. Basically each section is like a field and although they do have maps and the sections well-marked, unless the grave is right near the roadway, you'll have to hunt for it. The main office does have maps that you can print out which is a great feature! If it wasn't for that, it would be much harder. read more

When my dad told his lawyer he wanted to be buried in the VA Cemetary I really had no idea where that was or what that even meant. It clearly meant a lot to him. He served as a meteorologist in the Airforce during the Korean war. He never really talked about it when he was younger but as he aged his status as a Vet became a big part of his personnae. The VA helped him with a number of things too for which I am so thankful. Fortunately the funeral director, hospice people and my brother's wife ( a VA Employee in Washington state) all helped me figure it out and it wound up being super easy. When a Veteran passes part of their benefit is burial in the cemetary. You just need their discharge info, death certificate, and contained remains. They may be cremated or in a coffin. The remains go in the ground or in the "columbarium" which are walls of niches for burial urns sealed behind plaques with the deceased's info on them. The columbariums are outdoors, in clusters of walls with gently sloping walkways between them. My dad's cremated remains are in a columbarium. It was all done quickly and efficiently. I did very little to have this part of my dad's passing work out. It was a total relief because I am exhausted. My family gathered for breakfast ( Dean's Homestyle is ten minutes from Willamette. My dad very famously LOVED his big breakfasts) and then paid a visit to the cemetary on a cold February morning. The cemetary is beautiful. Rolling hills and green grass and these long low gray walls that make up the columbarium. There are nice restrooms. You will find kiosks here and there to look people up and easily find their plot/spot. The maps are clear and posted on lots of signage. I think it is really peaceful. It is all very accessible too. There is parking aplenty and benches to sit on if you would like. The views are amazing. I was surprised at how touched I was by the wall. A lot of the plaques are personalized. Several said "gone fishing" and the like. Some of the Vets who died were so young, others old like my dad who passed at 88. I think my dad's remains are in good company. If you had asked me last week if I would visit there again I would have said no way nu uh, but now that I have been I feel pulled to go back. It feels right that my dad is there. I can't really ask for better than that. read more

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Beautiful grounds that are well kept! Love the deer that hang around! Away from traffic noise!

This time of year I usually have a low-key case of the blues thinking about my folks who are both buried together at Willamette National Cemetery. Willamette National Center is the only veteran's cemetery west of the Mississippi, and I believe Willamette National isthe largest veteran's cemetery in the U.S. Burial is free for veterans and their spouses. I know my dad was very proud of having been a WWII vet, and both of my folks were grateful for the loans they obtained from the VA to help buy two houses. I love when they place the flags on Memorial Day. I find that very stirring and patriotic. Thank you Willamette National, for taking such good care of my folks. read more

During a drive around Portland pre-Covid when I was with a friend and her family I asked to stop at Willamette National Cemetery. I don't have any relatives who have been buried here. I noticed that there is a small structure like a house with no sides. I was told that that area is where the family can wait if it is a rainy day. There were a few people who were crying because it was Memorial Day and their family or friends had been buried at this cemetery recently. I have been to other cemeteries before in most of the cities and towns I have lived in. There was a man who was visiting Portland from somewhere else. He seemed to be the only person who knew about the burial plots of the few people who had parked at this cemetery on that afternoon. read more

... and when I die, and when I'm gone, there'll be one less child born in this world, to carry on, to carry on. (Blood, Sweat, & Tears) I am an Oregon born Vietnam Veteran living in California. I have little family left. So I must make sure I take care of what happens in my final days. I do not want to be a burden to others in my family and have started the process, of what will happen to me after I die. I want to come home for my final rest when that time arrives. Since this is new to me I had questions. I called Willamette National Cemetery. I was connected with JOHN. He is awesome. I didn't know all the questions to ask and he led me through it very patiently. He also suggested a few questions I might ask myself and anyone that will ultimately handle my remains. Thank you JOHN for helping me set this journey in motion. I will visit in the spring and thank you personally. You had a positive effect on me and now I empowered to complete my task with the right questions. Thomas B. USAF, Vietnam Sgt. read more

I do not have any family/friends buried here (though I do at other national cemeteries) so I can't speak much to the staff or how a burial goes at this location. So why did I find myself here? Memorial Day. I wanted to show my kids what the holiday truly was about so we journeyed up here and visited a friend's grandfather who had recently been laid to rest. The grounds are well cared for, as I would expect, and it's a serene experience. It also helps add a little perspective to what most people consider a day off work and a reason to BBQ food. Not to say I didn't enjoy either of those activities but, we paid respects to those that have helped make it possible over the years. read more

Willamette National Cemetery - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - Happy Valley, Oregon

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My grandfather, a Navy veteran, passed away recently at 93 years old. This week I attended a lovely Full Military Honors service. I was not involved in the planning of the service, but it was executed perfectly. There were about 15 military personnel that participated, all in their dress whites or blues. There was a 3 gun salute and taps was played. My Grandmother was given the flag, saluted and hugged. A beautiful eulogy was given by a Navy representative. The grounds are peaceful, well maintained and beautiful. I know I will enjoy my future visits. read more

Beautiful place on the hill. But I have been to a funeral twice in a year, one for my grandpa then my grandma and both times we were rushed out of the service with no real time to console each other because they had another service scheduled. We were also not allowed to go up to the covered area where the service was being held to put my grandma's favorite flowers around the area. We ended up sneaking up and no one was there so why not? They had us wait at the main parking area until allowed to go up and strangely since we are in Oregon, they have no covered area for us to gather and wait so we consoled each other in the rain. Guess they expect a grieving family to remain separated in their cars. read more

The most beautiful cemetery I've ever seen. Views of Portland, Mt. Hood, and Mt. St. Helens on a clear day.

I have been coming here for the last 3 years for Memorial Day. Even though this past year they had to overcome a huge obstacle of setting up the ceremony in the parking lot due to the fact that their main area was under construction. This parking lot didn't even look like a parking lot and there was plenty of seating. The flow of driving threw the cemetery was well thought out, I was able to drive by my husband twice and see him with our children. This cemetery has a lot of ground to cover and what seems like not a lot of staff. But they get the job done and the Cemetery looks perfect. Yes there will be mud when walking around, because it is dirt under the grass and it is Oregon. But what's a little mud when some of these men and women paid the ultimate sacrifice for you. read more

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It's difficult to give a great review to a place that nobody ever wants to have the necessity to visit. Thus I'm removing one star out of respect for the circumstances of your loss. That being said, they do a great job here. The grounds are lovely and sprawling and the atmosphere allows for whatever type of personal reflection you may require. read more

Willamette National Cemetery - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - Happy Valley, Oregon

Beautiful, however closing it on the weekends really doesn't help those who can't get up there until the weekends. Why not close two week days and leave the weekends open? read more

There is always a command of quiet reverence and respect that is both required and due for entering a cemetery. The perfectly manicured grounds that make up this one, are matched by the rolling hills and beautiful pine trees that edge its borders. I was happy to the the small open air cottages where the immediate graveside service is held, that help to ward off bad weather for those gathered. The professional staff are quick to offer assistance as well as directions to the particular plot you wish to visit. read more

Willamette National Cemetery - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - Happy Valley, Oregon

Very sincere. Quite reverent in the way they handle the March, the volley, taps, and the folding of the flag. The honor guard was a mix of service branches. . read more

I have 2 grandfathers and my own father here. This place has always been a beautiful a d respectful place to visit since my first time 26 years ago.... When I had to put my dad in the ground a couple weeks ago, the staff at the office was the most helpful, more so than the funeral home and coroner. read more

Willamette National Cemetery - Mt Saint Helens from the cemetery where my dad is buried. - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - Happy Valley, Oregon

We have three loved ones buried there. It is always well kept, beautiful and peaceful. read more

Willamette National Cemetery - Funeral Services & Cemeteries Near Me - Happy Valley, Oregon

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My Mother has been laid to rest here and I can't imagine a more beautiful place for her. Thanks to all that rest here for your gift of sacrifice to our country. read more

Grounds are beautiful. So blessed to have such a peaceful resting place for family & friends. Remembering our veterans always! Thank you to a wonderful staff & BS of America. read more

I think this place is beautiful. I just put my son here. What I am disappointed in is some of the staff. I have asked some question in emails and some of the comments I feel are uncalled for. I had asked about flags for Veterans days. I would have been fine with bring told that flags are not place for this day. Just memorial day. But to be told that ""The way we see it is Veteran's Day is for the living, Memorial Day is for the deceased"". Well it doesn't matter how you look at it Veterans Day honors people who have served in the military. Memorial Day is honoring men and women who died while serving in the military. Before my son's service I had asked about delivery of flowers. Part of the comment was If they are not local, don't know the procedures, and don't have the common sense to call ahead of time to find out what our procedures are, then that's something they need to figure out because If they arrive during a previous service, they will need to wait """don't have the common sense to call""" . For heaven sake really. My son has alot of friends from all over the county. How are they suppose to know. I was trying to get information to make things go smooth. Maybe you should find some common sense to talk to some one better then this. Its hard enough to have to deal with this without someone being a smart ass. read more

It's pretty. Even if your not visiting someone. It's a nice spot to reflect on life. And not really any issues. Nice lawn. Pretty trees. Made me happy to drive up the back side on this cool October night. You don't think cemetery unless you drive by the front read more

I always seem to visit in the spring when it's wet and swampy. They don't seem to clean the grave markers considering the amount of water and mud this place produces. Bring your rain boots!!!!! read more

I have a friend interred there, and two family members. I have only been there each time for their service. From my experience, they know what they are doing. The honor guard that helps is volunteer, and they do a great job. The Patriot Guard shows a lot of respect for each military service. Nice place to just think about, and visit on occasion. read more