Bend’s Memorial Day ceremony adapts, still honors our fallen heroes

Despite this pandemic, many in Central Oregon honored veterans

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Memorial Day ceremonies took place across Central Oregon Monday, as many gathered to pay respects to those who dedicated and gave their lives serving our country. Despite adaptations to COVID-19 health guidelines, the meaning and message were as strong as ever.

Monday marked the 32nd celebration of Memorial Day at the Deschutes Memorial Gardens cemetery in Bend, and though it was still a day of remembrance, the ceremony was quite different due to COVID 19.

Due to state public health guidelines amid the COVID-19 pandemic, only about two dozen men and women were able to  gather Monday morning to honor veterans and remember the fallen heroes of Central Oregon.

The Oregon Health Authority permitted members of Boy Scout Troop 25 to lead place flags on veterans' graves across the cemetery. Nearly 560 flags were placed at the grave sites of fallen vets.

A prayer was said to bless the families of the troops and note their sacrifice to the country, and a flag was presented to the family of a veteran who died in service.

Deschutes Memorial Chapel & Gardens owner Jerome Daniel said what veterans are experiencing now during this pandemic doesn't compare to what they've sacrificed serving this country.

"Frankly, many of the veterans are saying the COVID is very, very powerful in their family lives, and they intend to make sure we are honoring the (governor's) 20-07 executive order that prevents us from gathering more than 25 people at a time," Daniel said.

"Still it's a small thing really compared to the sacrifices that they have made," he said. "So for us to give up this sacred moment, this annual sacred moment, for most of these veterans -- we decided to forge forward." 

A newly created veteran caisson was displayed at this year's Memorial Day ceremony.

Horse-drawn caissons are still used during military honors and traditionally seen during burial and funeral rituals.

Navy veteran Robert Cosner, who built the caisson, said he was inspired after watching the funeral service for decorated veteran Bob Maxwell of Bend, who was the nation's oldest living Medal of Honor recipient when he passed away a year ago. He said caissons were even used in the Civil War.

"I built that wagon -- it's a foreign wagon," Cosner said. "I built the connection between the two. A lot of the lumber that is in this, the structure of it, came from Brooks-Scanlon, years and years ago. It's for the veterans, to honor them for what they've given. We've lost way too many people to be where we are at today, for me."

The caisson will be used in future memorial or burial ceremonies at the cemetery.

Veterans across Central Oregon said they were grateful for the opportunity to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice and a chance to gather with their fellow service members.

Mark Forscell, a veteran who participated in a motorcycle drive-by for veterans at several Bend assisted-living facilities said he appreciates all the community has done.

"Well, when I came back from Vietnam, there were people that were not too happy with that, they spit on us and everything else," he said. "But here in Central Oregon, especially, everybody really appreciates the veterans, and the veterans do appreciate that."

Veterans are a vital group of Central Oregonians, and the community continues to recognize and honor them, despite the current challenges in being able to gather together.