On Monday, May 26, Memorial Day ceremonies were held across the southern Willamette Valley to honor service members who gave their lives to defend our nation.
In Creswell, the local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4039 gathered at the Creswell Veterans Memorial Plaza on South 1st Street, where a memorial stands to veterans of all wars that was established in 1968. Creswell remembers four fallen servicemen from its community, including Duane Hodges, who was killed during North Korea’s attack on the USS Pueblo.
In Cottage Grove, the community gathered at the Armory Building, where the American Legion Post 32 and VFW Post 3473 led the annual ceremony, and in Springfield, the American Legion Post #40 and the City of Springfield held a ceremony at Veterans Plaza in Willamalane Park.
“Memorial Day is not about celebration; it’s about reflection,” said Springfield mayor Sean VanGordon. “Those we remember today gave their lives not just for a flag, but for the freedoms we hold dear. Our duty is to carry their legacy forward, not just in words, but in how we live and serve each other.”
VanGordon read aloud the names of Springfield residents who lost their lives while serving in the military. Other speakers included American Legion Post #40 Commander Nick Gillaspie and Lane County Commissioner and Navy veteran David Loveall.
Representatives from American Legion Post #40, Willamette Leadership Academy, Springfield Elks Lodge #2145 and Elks Emblem Club, Boy Scouts Troop 179, and Willamalane participated in the ceremony.
