OARS Events
Memorial Day Ceremony for Major Ariana G. Linse Savino
The annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Seattle’s Garden of Remembrance will pay tribute to the brave men and women of Washington State who served and sacrificed for our nation. This year’s theme, “Rooted Here,” honors the permanent place these servicemembers hold in their community, their state, and this garden. The event will include ceremonial honors, a keynote address, wreath laying, and musical performances. A special tribute will be made to Major Ariana G. Linse Savino, U.S. Air Force, 99th Air Refueling Squadron, of Covington, Washington, killed in the line of duty March 12, 2026, during Operation Epic Fury against Iran. Her name will be commemorated on the Garden of Remembrance memorial wall at this ceremony.
WHEN: Monday, May 25, 2026, ceremony begins at 10:00 a.m.
WHERE: Garden of Remembrance, 200 University Street, Seattle, WA 98101
WHO: Keynote Speaker – Robert Kettle, Seattle City Councilmember, District 7, U.S. Navy Commander, Retired; 181st Support Battalion, Washington Army National Guard Color Guard; Tyler Coleman, bagpiper; Cassandra Willock, vocalist; Northwest Paralyzed Veterans of America; Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2829 and Auxiliary; Seattle Symphony trumpeter Mike Myers.
The Garden of Remembrance is a memorial dedicated to honoring Washington State residents who gave their lives in overseas service, from World War II to present-day. The Garden of Remembrance offers a peaceful refuge in the heart of downtown Seattle, just steps from Benaroya Hall. Reflective spaces, quiet corners, and gently flowing water features invite contemplation and solace. Towering trees form the largest canopy in the city’s downtown corridor, providing shade and tranquility amid the urban landscape. Renowned landscape architect Robert Murase designed the Garden to integrate native plants with sculptural elements, symbolizing life, growth, and renewal.
WHY: To solemnly honor the legacy of servicemembers like Major Ariana G. Linse Savino and all those commemorated at the Garden. The ceremony provides a space for the community to reflect on the bonds of service and sacrifice, and to stand with the families of the fallen.
HOW: For additional information or to attend, please contact Alyson Teeter at 206-486-2899 or in**@************************ce.org.
Seeds of Hope are Taking Root
“Spring is proof that there is beauty in new beginnings.”
Matshona Dhliwayo
Dear Growing Veterans Community,
As spring takes hold, Growing Veterans is entering the 2026 growing season with tremendous momentum. Over the past two months, we have planted a wide variety of crops, donated more than 200 pounds of organic broccoli to the Ferndale Food Bank, and prepared thousands of seedlings that will help us expand fresh food production throughout the summer. Our programs continue to thrive through partnerships such as Warriors on the Water, weekly beekeeping classes, and volunteer support from local businesses and community members.
We are also expanding our community capacity through strategic outreach and education. This spring, we connected with new supporters by tabling and participating in events at Texas Roadhouse, the Western Washington University Community Partners Event, and Otherlands Beer, and by speaking to students and faculty at an assembly at Seattle Preparatory School. We are grateful to welcome four interns from Western Washington University and one intern from Whatcom Community College, whose energy and talent are strengthening our work.
We also want to recognize Chantelle Jordinelli from University of Puget Sound, who recently completed her doctoral capstone in occupational therapy. Chantelle developed a therapeutic gardening protocol for Growing Veterans, grounded in peer-reviewed research and evidence-based techniques. Her work will help us further refine the healing aspects of our programming for years to come, and she will be greatly missed on the farm.
At the same time, we have strengthened our foundation through media outreach, fundraising events, and significant grant opportunities that will help sustain and grow our impact. With every seed planted and every connection made, we are reminded that growth happens both in the soil and in the lives of the veterans and community members we serve.
The growing season is starting strong, and the only thing we are missing is you. All are welcome on the farm, and we would love to have you join us for a farm tour, some Dirt Therapy, or to build community at one of our Friday Coffee Check-Ins. No farming experience is necessary just come as you are
Yours in Community,
GV Staff
Mental Health Awareness Month
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You’ll see us in your inbox and your social media feeds all month long. Follow along, and let’s create health together.
Veterans Training Support Center Classes
The Veterans Training Support Center (VTSC) fosters deeper understanding of veterans and their families through dynamic workshops and educational events. Our programming explores critical topics such as post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, and moral injury, often invisible challenges that profoundly impact veteran well-being.
Upcoming classes include:
- Suicide Prevention
- Vermicomposting
- Counseling
- Brain Injury & Recovery
- LGBTQ+ Veterans
The Art of Sign Making
In times like these, community gives us a path forward—and art lights the way.
Join us on Thursday, April 16th for an evening of joyful, resilient resistance at this month’s Art After Hours. Raise your voice and channel your creativity as we explore the art of sign-making.
All materials will be provided: pens, markers, paint, stencils, poster board, and more. You’re also welcome bring your own work-in-progress (sewing, screenplay, sketching, you name it).
Art After Hours (or AAH, as we like to call it) is Path with Art’s monthly opportunity to gather and create—together. Seasoned artists and beginners alike are welcome in this creative third space, where we explore art and creativity with friends new and old.
This event is free! Please register below as we have limited capacity. If you have any special accommodation requests, please use the RSVP form to let us know in advance.
Join us for our April Art
After Hours at artHOME!
Led by Holly Jacobsen
& PwA Staff
When
Thursday, April 16
Drop-in Time
6 PM to 8 PM
Address
200 Mercer Street
Art Therapy Programs Give Hope to Veterans Facing PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder is common among veterans, with 10% of men and nearly 20% of women reporting having symptoms at some point in their lives. But could exposure to more arts programming be the needed prescription for those who have served our country?