Sisters honors fallen warriors

States and societies throughout history "send their best, brightest, youngest and poorest into harm's way to defend their way of life."

So said Brigadier General Jim Cunningham (U.S. Air Force, Ret.) in the keynote speech at Sisters' annual Memorial Day observances at the Village Green Park on Monday.

"We expect the soldier, the sailor, the airman, the Marine and the Coast Guardsman to step forward and sacrifice," Cunningham said. And the best way to honor that sacrifice, to pick up the torch of the defense of freedom and a way of life, is for all citizens to commit to sacrifice for the betterment of their

community.

Military service is not the only means of sacrifice, Cunningham averred.

"It matters not what path is taken, but that we make a conscious decision to take the steps and stay the course," he said.

Through that commitment, Cunningham said, all of us can carry the fight to "the foe of indifference; the foe of ignorance; the foe of neglect."

Cunningham's speech was the keynote of observances that started with the posting of the colors by the Redmond Marine JROTC. After an invocation by Pastor Chuck Perry, Colonel John Miller (USAF, Ret.) introduced special guests Harold Mulligan, Chuck Sellentin and Chris Dalton, all Pearl Harbor survivors.

Also in attendance was Cruz Bryan, recently returned from a tour of duty doing convoy security in Iraq.

Some 500 people attended the event, many singing along with the High Desert Chorale on "God Bless America."

Service members from each branch of service stood as the chorale sang a medley of service anthems.

Col. Miller paused in the midst of the service to make an impassioned appeal for veterans to join either the Sisters VFW Post 8138 or American Legion Post 86. He noted that the organizations are active, but many members have had to withdraw due to health

considerations.

"We need your help," Col. Miller said.

As the colors were retired and Jody Henderson played "Taps," the crowd dispersed to enjoy a barbecue at the park or to return home to spend time with family. And, perhaps, to reflect upon Gen. Cunningham's call to service and sacrifice.