Ceremony honors those on the fighting edge

Sisters area veterans honored their fallen comrades in the sixth annual Veterans Memorial Day Ceremony held Monday, May 25 at Camp Polk Cemetery.

The ceremony was attended by about 70 people.

Just as the ceremony began, the sun broke through an overcast sky, to brighten the flowers that marked the graves. A light breeze touched the American flag and the POW-MIA flag and the sunlight shone on the wreath that contained the names of 38 veterans whose service dates from World War I to Desert Storm.

Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Sisters High School Music Director Jody Henderson and Sisters High School students provided the musical accompaniment for the National Anthem.

W. Thomas Faucher from St. Edwards Catholic Church offered the opening prayer.

Jack Berry, Adjutant American Legion, introduced the guest speaker, Norman Scott, US Navy retired, was introduced.

Scott emphasized the importance of remembrance, saying that to decorate today and forget tomorrow is an unpardonable sin.

"Wars have become more technical and more costly, but that technology has lowered troops involved in wars, hence, the loss of life," Scott said. "Even as technology continues to grow, soldiers will continue to be on the fighting edge, the deterrent."

Scott paid tribute to those veterans who lost their lives through their courage, willingness, and love of country and flag.

Scott, a native of Central Oregon, saw combat in Vietnam and the Persian Gulf.

He has served as commanding officer of several naval vessels and managed ship building operations in Virginia and Florida. He and his wife, Cheryl, live in Camp Sherman.

Following the laying of the wreaths, the closing prayer was offered by Harold Gott, Sisters Church of Christ.

Following the prayer, three shots fired from the rifles of two members of G Troop, 1/82 Cavalry, Oregon National Guard echoed across the flag-decorated cemetery.

Henderson provided the clear, mournful tones of taps as the ceremony closed.

Representatives from the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8138 and from the American Legion Memorial Post 86 were in charge of the ceremony.