Oregon Public Broadcasting

Across the country Monday, Americans observed Memorial Day to remember those who died serving their country. David Nogueras attended one such event in Bend and has this report.

Veterans of every major war since World War I, came together at Deschutes Memorial Gardens.

Some dressed in civilian clothes, others wore their uniforms.  They came to pay tribute to those who died serving America.

Mike Ward is the Oregon State Commander for the Disabled American Veterans. He served in the Air Force for more than 24 years.

Ward says Memorial Day is more than just the beginning of summer.

Mike Ward: "It's more than Memorial Day sales at the mall, it's more than barbeques and it's more than parties, you see it's something else besides that.  You see, it's a time to look back."

Similar scenes like the memorial service in Bend played out across the state. Oregonians young and old gathered parks, cemeteries and VFW halls and private homes to remember the fallen.