Redmond honors fallen service members with Memorial Day ceremonies and flag displays

REDMOND, Ore. — Memorial Day in Redmond began early Monday morning, with rows of American flags lining Terrebonne Pioneer Cemetery as the community gathered to honor those who served.

The first ceremony took place from 9 to 9:45 a.m. at Terrebonne Pioneer Cemetery, where attendees paused to reflect and pay tribute to fallen service members.

Later in the day, the focus shifted to Redmond Memorial Gardens Cemetery, where another ceremony was held from 11 a.m. to noon. Families, veterans, and community members came together to visit gravesites, pay homage, and remember those who lost their lives in service to the country.

Don Hougham, a combat veteran who served 25 years in the Army, spoke about the meaning behind the holiday.

“Say their name and they’re never forgotten,” Hougham said. “And today is that day — remembering, talking about them, raising a glass. Have your barbecues, have your cookouts, do all of that stuff. But if you just take a second and remember those, and if anybody you know wants to participate or help out, go to a local VFW or anything and just help vets.”

For many, Memorial Day is also a time to recognize those who returned home from war but later lost their lives to its lasting effects.

Philamenia White, the mother of a deceased Navy veteran, shared her son’s story.

“Coming back into civilian life was tough, overwhelming,” White said. “He suffered from a traumatic brain injury, and he actually had PTSD from his time in service. And sadly, in August of 25, he had taken his life from the battle of the war that he was fighting, after serving at the age of 24.”

Across Redmond, the day was marked by both grief and pride, as families remembered loved ones who served with honor and dignity.

In the city’s downtown core, more than 1,700 American flags were on display in observance of the holiday — a longstanding tradition that has helped Redmond earn the designation of “Flag City USA.” The displays, funded and installed by local residents, have been part of every patriotic holiday in the city since 1991.