Sisters to honor fallen in Memorial Day ceremony

Sisters' traditional Memorial Day observances are set for Monday, May 31, at 11 a.m. at Sisters Village Green.

Local veterans' organizations sponsor the event which honors those who have died in America's wars. Three Pearl Harbor survivors will be on hand for the services, along with an Oregon National Guard soldier who has just returned from deployment to Iraq.

The keynote speaker will be Brigadier General James Cunningham (U.S. Air Force, Ret.). Cunningham, a Vietnam veteran, was commander of the Oregon Air National Guard. He lives in Sisters with his family and is a member of the board of directors of the Sisters Folk Festival.

Cunningham's speech will focus on the ethic of service.

"When I talk to these guys from World War II on and ask them what they want in recognition, it's always the same thing," Cunningham told The Nugget.

He said those who serve are motivated to preserve a culture of liberty, where people are free to make their own choices in life.

"They want to be recognized for taking responsibility for making that happen," he said.

Cunningham emphasizes that American culture can only be preserved and strengthened when people are willing to serve, to work for their community.

"They don't have to be in the military but they have to give back to their community in some way to make their environment better," he said.

Cunningham will also read the classic World War I-era poem "In Flanders Fields," whose final stanza speaks of carrying the torch for those who have fallen.

Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw/ The torch; be yours to hold it high./ If ye break faith with us who die/ We shall not sleep, though poppies grow/ In Flanders fields.