New Tacoma Cemeteries, Funeral Home & Crematory

06/04/2026

Thank you, Mayor Stan Flemming, for issuing a Memorial Day Proclamation and helping our community honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Your support ensures that their legacy of courage, duty, and sacrifice will never be forgotten. We are grateful for your commitment to remembering our fallen heroes. 🇺🇸

And Thank You for including New Tacoma's Memorial Day Ceremony in your "Headlines" Newsletter of June 3rd, 2026! We really appreciate the support of City of University Place, Washington - Municipal Government!

06/03/2026

A postage stamp cost 3 cents the last time the government increased the death benefit.

In 1954, the Social Security Lump Sum Death Payment was set at $255. Seventy years later—through twelve presidents and dozens of economic shifts—that number hasn't moved a single cent. 📉

Here is the reality of that $255 today:

- It only goes to a surviving spouse or a dependent child; if you are single with adult children, it's $0.
- In 1954, $255 covered roughly 50% of a standard funeral. Today, it barely covers the cost of a high-quality register book and thank-you cards.
- This 'benefit' has lost 90% of its purchasing power, yet it remains the only federal contribution most families receive. 🕯️

We aren't telling you this to be grim. We’re telling you because waiting for a government update that hasn't happened since the 50s isn't a plan—it's a risk.

Peace of mind comes from knowing exactly who is looking out for your family (hint: it's you, not the SSA).

06/02/2026

City of University Place, Washington - Municipal Government Duck Daze Parade & Community Event is this Saturday, June 6th. So many fun events for families and kids alike - food, live entertainment. The parade starts around 10am so get your spot early. It's going to be a lot of fun!

Duck Daze Parade & Community Celebration is almost here!

Join us Saturday, June 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (rain or shine!) for a day full of fun, community spirit, and summer celebration!

Parade Route:
The fun kicks off as the parade travels from 29th Street to 37th Street, bring your chairs, wave to your neighbors, and enjoy the show!

Live Entertainment (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.):
Head over to the Market Square stage for great music from Army Corp Big Foot Band and Joel Gibson Jr.

Fire Station 31 Open House (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.):
Stop by West Pierce Fire & Rescue Station 31 for their crowd-favorite FREE hot dogs and get a behind-the-scenes look at fire & emergency equipment. Don’t forget to say hi to your local Police & Fire first responders!

South Sound Makers Market:
Browse a variety of unique, handcrafted goods from talented local artisans, perfect for finding one-of-a-kind treasures!

More to Explore:
🔸Delicious food trucks
🔸Activities for kids

Dress the Part!
Did we mention to wear yellow? Bust out your brightest, most duck-inspired attire and dress up for this year’s event! We’ll also be celebrating America’s 250th, so feel free to add a little red, white, and blue to your look!

We can’t wait to celebrate the start of summer with you on June 6, at 10 a.m.

05/30/2026

Looking at the old Veteran Section from when the cemetery was started back in 1933.

05/26/2026

Memorial Day 2026

Thank you to West Pierce Fire & Rescue for flying the flag from their ladder truck for the Memorial Day program today, Pastor Larry Redelsperger for the Invocation, Mayor Stan Flemming from City of University Place, Washington - Municipal Government for his Proclamation, and to Thomas M. Bauchspies, Lieutenant Colonel, US Army (Ret) for being the Keynote Speaker.

The video of the Memorial Day program will be posted in a couple of days.

05/23/2026

Flags were put out in the Veteran's Section of the cemetery today. If we missed any veteran markers, please ask any cemetery personnel at the Information Table or in golf carts for one.

05/20/2026

Grounds crew getting the last of the lawn mowed before Memorial Day. They're really putting their hearts into the work to make everything look great for the weekend. If you see one of the crew, thank them for their hard work, they'll appreciate it.

05/13/2026

Thanks to the grounds crew for working hard at getting the cemetery ready for Memorial Day. They work hard year-round, but more so this time of year for everyone who visits in a few weeks.