Memorial service marks solemn holiday

The Crook County Junior Naval ROTC performed at the Sisters Memorial Day service. photo by Jim Cornelius A large crowd of Sisters area veterans, loved ones and community members remembered America's fallen warriors in a ceremony at Camp Polk Cemetery on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31.

Those attending the ceremony were fully cognizant of the special context of the local services, as the World War II Memorial was dedicated in Washington, D.C. this weekend and as American troops continue to face combat in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Keynote speaker Sid Carter, Crook County Veterans Service Officer, reflected on the heritage of World War II veterans.

"They set the bar high and we've tried to uphold their standard ever since," he said.

That continues today, with the service of those currently enlisted.

"These brave young men and women stand in harm's way to uphold the rights of others," Carter said.

He noted the sacrifice of the hundreds of thousands of Americans who have died while serving their country since Memorial Day was established after the Civil War.

Cadet Randy Kentner performs a rifle drill. photo by Jim Cornelius

"All the world, because of what they gave, is a debtor to them," he said.

Carter provided a telling glimpse of that world by providing statistics based on reducing the world to "a village of 100."

He noted that the vast majority of those "100 people" live in poverty and without the ability to read or write.

Carter used the statistics to urge those present to recognize their wealth, comfort and security in a world that offers little of any of these things.

Sisters Veteran George Winterfeld offered a presentation of Blue Star Banners for local families of men and women serving in the Armed Forces. He explained the banners as a revival of an old World War II-era tradition, noting that Gold Star Banners are offered to families who have lost a soldier, Marine, airman or sailor in war.

The local veterans group has not had to give out a Gold Star Banner.

"We don't want to give out any Gold Star Banners," Winterfeld told the assemblage. "We haven't had to do that, thank God."

Winterfeld also noted that the flag flying at half-staff during the ceremony is the same flag donated to the Sisters Veterans Group by Senator Ben Westlund and the 303rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, an Oregon National Guard unit.

The flag was carried on a combat mission over Baghdad on May 29, 2003.

One Sisters woman currently has a loved one directly in harm's way in Iraq.

Angela Dunn's husband, Noel Dunn, a First Lieutenant with the 15th Cavalry, is now operating in the outskirts of Baghdad in the sector that includes the now-notorious Abu Gharib prison (his unit is not connected to the prison).

The couple was married about five months ago.

Cora Heath sounds assembly. photo by Jim Cornelius

Noel Dunn shipped out for Iraq in January.

According to Angela, that means he should -- depending on deployment schedules -- return home in January 2005.

Angela expressed confidence in her new husband and his mission.

"He's on patrol; he's out there doing his thing," she said. "I know he's smart, I know he takes care of his men. I don't worry about him too much."

Dunn said her husband tells her that the majority of Iraqis he encounters -- especially children and the elderly -- are appreciative of the American presence and only a small minority want the Americans out.

Young future military men and women were well-represented by the award-winning Crook County Naval Junior ROTC.

Bugler Cora Heath played assembly and "Taps" and Cadet Lieutenant Junior Grade Randy Kentner offered a rifle drill demonstration before his comrades fired a salute with their M-1 rifles.

Rodger Hall, Pastor Of Christ's Church of New Beginnings, gave a heartfelt and moving opening prayer.

Hall also offered a closing prayer to cap the ceremony.

At noon, the skies over Sisters were split by the roar of F-15-D jets as the Oregon Air National Guard 173rd Fighter Wing conducted a flyover.

The Sisters Memorial Day Program was organized by VFW Post 8138 and American Legion Post 86.

Winterfeld, a World War II veteran, thanked the many outside volunteers who helped with the ceremony, from setting up chairs to printing programs.

"The Sisters veterans units are small," Winterfeld noted wryly . "And some of us are kind of old."