C.O. Memorial Day ceremonies honor the fallen
There were ceremonies all across Central Oregon on Monday to mark Memorial Day by honoring fallen service members who gave their lives for their country.
At the La Pine Cemetery, dozens attended a ceremony to listen to speeches from veterans, hear personal stories and say a prayer together. There was also a gun salute where members of the La Pine American Legion Post 45 unloaded three rounds into the sky.
People bowed their heads, praying for the safety of those serving the country now. It was an emotional ceremony for many, especially those who have lost loved ones on the battlefront.
“It memorializes those men and women who not only serve our country, but paid the supreme sacrifice for our country,” said Phyllis York, commander of Post 45. “We don’t want to forget, and we are never going to forget.”
Veterans raised the American flag to half-staff in respect for all soldiers killed over the years. The ceremony was followed an open house and barbeque at the American Legion.
There was also a big turnout at the annual ceremony held at Deschutes Memorial Gardens in Bend.
The crowd was invited to place poppy flowers on different sections of a memorial, showing in which war they lost family or friends, or where they know someone currently fighting.
For many people in attendance, the ceremony was especially important, because many generations of their family have fought in different wars.
“You can’t express how important it is to honor the current military, the men who served, and all of those who have sacrificed so much for our country,” said Bend resident John Lowas.
Oregon’s only living recipient of the Medal of Honor, Bob Maxwell, attended the ceremony and received a big round of applause from the crowd.
Speakers also talked about how proud they are to live in Central Oregon, where there are many resources for veterans when they come home.
More than 1,200 flags fluttered along the streets of Redmond, self-proclaimed “Flag City USA,”and more than 100 newly purchased flags in downtown Prineville, as ceremonies were held there and in several Central Oregon communities.
