Not just a number: Reading names of the fallen

It’s a day to remember those who fought for our freedom, and gave their lives to protect our country. Since the war in Afghanistan started in 2001, and the war in Iraq started in 2003, thousands have lost their lives.

On Monday every single one was honored at Riverbend Park in Bend.

While the rain fell off and on across Central Oregon, the names of fallen soldiers were read, one by one, in honor of their bravery.

Each beat of a drum marked another life lost fighting for our country

Speakers read each name from a long scroll of those taken too soon, fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Onlookers read along on painted boards, listing each name from the scroll. Eight of those fallen soldiers, central Oregonians.Small flags were placed in the ground next to the signs, honoring those eight.

A ceremony, helping to keep the more than 6,600 lives lost overseas from being just a number.