SALEM – The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) will hold a memorial ceremony in Salem, Sat., May 30, at 1 p.m. to honor Oregon’s fallen servicemembers who have died while serving in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
 
The Department will unveil four names that will be added to the Memorial wall which include Pfc. Cody J. Eggleston, Lance Cpl. Robert L. Johnson, Chief Warrant Officer Joshua M. Tillery, and Pfc. Richard A. DeWater.
 
The families and survivors of those killed while serving in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom will also be honored at this public ceremony.
 
Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director Jim Willis said the memorial is a place of reflection for those recalling our servicemen and women who have died in battle, especially in Iraq and Afghanistan.
 
“Each of these fallen heroes volunteered to serve and protect the nation they loved,” Willis said. “We are grateful for their gallant service, and are reminded of that when reading the plaque near the memorial which says, ‘All Gave Some, Some Gave All.’” 
 
Willis will host the ceremony on the ODVA grounds. Oregon Army National Guard soldiers will post the colors and a wreath will be placed at the memorial.
 
Memorial Day marks the day set aside to remember America’s fallen men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces. It was first observed on May 30, 1868. Since 1971, the holiday has been celebrated on the last Monday of May.
 
The Afghan-Iraqi Freedom Memorial was dedicated in November 2006 and is located on the north end of the ODVA grounds at 700 Summer Street N.E. For more information contact ODVA at 1-800-828-8801, ext. 2386 or 2390.

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