Flyover will mark local Memorial Day

Next Monday during the Memorial Day holiday celebration, an F-15D jet airplane from the 173rd Fighter Wing of the Oregon Air National Guard, stationed at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, will do a "flyover" above Sisters honoring those who have died in the service of their country.

The flyover and special observance of Memorial Day will start at 11 a.m. at the Camp Polk Cemetery, according to Frank J. Jackson, commander of Post 8138 of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars.

George Winterfeld, the adjutant of the Sisters Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Harold Mulligan, local commander of the American Legion will host the event.

The color and honor guard will be composed of local VFW members. The Rifle Squad will be from the HHD 1st/82nd Cavalry of the Oregon National Guard located in Bend.

Drew Holmes, a retired railroad engineer and resident of Sisters, will give the keynote address. The title of his presentation will be, "Perspective: Honoring and recognizing those left at home especially during the recently completed Iraqi war," Jackson said.

A highlight of the occasion will be a special demonstration by the award-winning Crook County High School Naval Jr. ROTC close-quarter rifle and drill team.

"This group of outstanding young people will amaze you with their exactness and dedication. It took them hours of practice to perfect such precision," Winterfeld said.

The Rev. Tom Shelton, retired pastor of the Bend Christian Church and the Powell Butte Church, will give the benediction and closing prayers.

To get to the cemetery, drive out Locust Street, running north between the elementary and middle schools. Locust becomes Camp Polk Road. From downtown drive exactly three miles, past Sage Meadow on the left, to where Camp Polk Road makes a sharp right hand turn. One-quarter mile beyond that turn is Cemetery Road on the left. The Camp Polk Cemetery is at the top of that road.

There is no parking at the cemetery itself, but there is a turnaround. Limited parking is available along both sides of Cemetery Road. Allow 10 minutes for the drive from downtown.

For an easier trip, SOAR is providing a shuttle bus service, starting at 10:15 a.m., from the Sisters Elementary School parking lot.

"Several trips will be made until all have been taken to the ceremony," a SOAR volunteer said.