Bend, OR – Central Oregon communities came together on Monday, May 26, to honor the U.S. service members who made the ultimate sacrifice. Memorial Day observances spanned from Bend to Sisters, with ceremonies, parades, and personal acts of remembrance marking the solemn holiday.
In Bend, the day began early with the Parade of Flags at 7 a.m. at Bend Heroes Memorial and Veterans Memorial Bridge. Rows of American flags lined the memorials, creating a powerful visual tribute to the fallen. Later in the morning, from 8 to 11:30 a.m., the 18th annual We Are Remembering – Not Just a Number event was held at Troy Field. The gathering, which was also livestreamed for those unable to attend in person, focused on the names and stories of service members lost in war, ensuring they are remembered as individuals, not just statistics.
At 1 p.m., a more formal Memorial Day service was held at the Central Oregon Veterans Memorial at Deschutes Memorial Gardens. Attendees included local veterans, families of fallen soldiers, and community members who gathered to pay their respects.
Among those honoring the fallen was Vietnam War veteran Mark Wirges, who has placed American flags at Pilot Butte Cemetery for 55 consecutive years. Wirges, now in his 70s, began the tradition shortly after returning home from service. Each flag he places represents a life lost — and a commitment kept to never forget.
In Redmond, the day’s commemorations began at 9 a.m. with a service at Terrebonne Pioneer Cemetery, followed by an 11 a.m. ceremony at Redmond Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Community leaders, veterans groups, and families joined in prayer and reflection beneath waving flags and quiet skies.
Prineville hosted one of the region’s largest observances, starting with a 10 a.m. Memorial Day parade that wound through the town center from Fourth and Elm streets to Ochoco Creek Park. Residents lined the streets waving flags and saluting veterans in uniform. At 11 a.m., a wreath-laying ceremony took place at Juniper Haven Cemetery, followed by a 1 p.m. paver dedication at the Robert Ervin Veterans Memorial at the Crook County Fairgrounds.
In Sisters, residents gathered at Village Green City Park at 11 a.m. for a Memorial Day service marked by heartfelt speeches and patriotic music. Veterans were recognized, and a moment of silence was held for those who never made it home.
Across Central Oregon, Memorial Day served not only as a time of remembrance but as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom. From small-town cemeteries to city parks, the region united in gratitude, reflection, and solemn respect for those who gave all.
