Our doves do fly from Tahoma National Cemetery.  They are accustomed to the gun salutes, and perhaps it makes them fly home just a little faster!
Because our birds reside not far away in Renton, they can fly from Tahoma year-round in almost any weather.

They may be used at the formal ceremony at the shelter or many families are also using them in their own private anniversary remembrance at the gravesite or columnbarium.
They are often used in the formal ceremony, usually as the final event in the service.  Generally, those present are asked to come out from the shelter,
so they can see and fully enjoy the beauty of the doves flying off and circling overhead.  It is a gentle, peaceful, and heartwarming way to end the ceremony.

Family members are encouraged to be the ones who release the doves.  First a single dove is released by hand, basket or formal cage, to represent the
loved one who has died, returning home to their Creator.  Then the flock is released to represent that our life's journey also leads us home to our Creator
and that we won't be separated from our loved one forever.  It may also be a simple tribute to a nature lover.  It can also represent that their example and
memory will be cherished as we fly through our own lives.

There is also the option to do a military tribute using red, white and blue homing pigeons.  These are naturally occurring pigeon colors, not dyed.
Red -- for sacrifices made
White -- for peace defended
Blue -- for loyalty to family and country


Tahoma National Cemetery has used our doves for their Veteran's Day Ceremonies.