Friends of the GAR Cemetery Park (FGAR) was formed in 1997 by concerned citizens and neighbors. The group’s initial goal was to work with Seattle’s Parks & Recreation department to restore the cemetery’s grounds to reflect the dignity it deserved.
Over the years — and 6,000 volunteer hours later — the park enjoys a wide range of volunteer effort, from the daily raising of the American flag to an ongoing headstone-replacement initiative. FGAR’s phased restoration of the grounds ran from 2003 to 2021 and is now complete.
FGAR is a diverse community of neighbors, concerned citizens, descendants of those interred in the cemetery, Civil War veterans’ groups, and others. FGAR is a community organization, affiliated with the Associated Recreation Council, a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor.
Want to help, but can’t give your time?
FGAR accepts donations. Email us and we’ll let you know the best way to give.
Email FGARGet Involved
Daily flag raising
A volunteer crew has raised and lowered the flag for over twenty years — our main way to get involved today.
Join the crew →Visit the park
It’s a public park as well as a cemetery — worth a visit even if history isn’t your main interest.
Plan a visit →