News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
Flags snapped in the breeze as the final notes of "Taps" echoed from Jody Henderson's bugle over the hills surrounding Camp Polk Cemetery, closing services held by the Sisters Veterans Group on Memorial Day.
Many in the large crowd at the cemetery wiped away tears, risen amid heartfelt prayers in honor of those fallen in America's wars.
The Honorable Michael Sullivan, an Oregon Circuit Court Judge in Deschutes County, offered the keynote speech. Sullivan's appearance is his last act as a soldier -- he is soon to retire from the Oregon National Guard.
Sullivan's career as a judge has given him a unique perspective on the freedoms and rights for which American soldiers have fought and died. The right to trial by a jury of peers is especially sacred to Sullivan.
"Every day I am awed and thankful that we have this right, because it assures us that we will always have freedom and that there will be justice for all," Sullivan said.
The judge asked the audience to thank the veterans who have sacrificed for them and to commit themselves to the future for which they fought.
"We are honor-bound to use the lessons of their blood and sweat to better tomorrow," he said.
While remembering history, Sullivan emphasized that sacrifice is not a thing of the past.
"Freedom is not retained any easier than it is earned," he said.
Sullivan noted that the modern military is tasked to go almost anywhere in the world to quell eruptions of war.
"Almost every month we send people from the Oregon National Guard... to places we never dreamed of," he said.
Prayers were offered by Reverend Ron Gregg and by Father Thomas Faucher. The colors were carried by a contingent from Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8138 and American Legion Post 86.
A rifle salute was offered by Oregon National Guard G Troop. Bagpiper Daniel Klug performed a prelude to the ceremony and played "Amazing Grace" following the laying of the wreaths.
Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.
Reader Comments(0)