Anderson served both the state and our country. He was a respected veteran, legislator, friend to many on the Capitol Campus, and champion for civil rights. We have deep admiration for his leadership and bravery.

The original Kwanzan flowering cherry tree was dying and was removed for safety reasons.

Work impacts

On Aug. 25, Cherry Lane will be closed throughout the day between Water Street Southwest Avenue and Sid Snyder Avenue Southwest while the new 16-foot Kwanzan flowering cherry tree is planted and the memorial plaque reinstalled.

Next steps

In anticipation that all trees along Cherry Lane will come down in about four years when the road is replaced, DES will be working with stakeholders before the road replacement to determine a location for a replacement Cal Anderson memorial tree as well as an updated memorial plaque.

History

Anderson was born in 1948, graduated in 1966, and served in Vietnam. He returned as a decorated veteran and entered politics as an aide before serving on the Washington State House of Representatives and then the Senate. Anderson was Washington's first openly gay state legislator, and one of his priorities was extending the state civil rights law to include the LGBTQ+ community. He also fought for low-income housing.

Learn more

Cal Anderson memorial webpage.

Photo credits: Joe Mable CC BY-SA 4.0