In Bend, Oregon, the annual Memorial Day event, ‘We Are Remembering – Not Just A Number,’ brought together community members to honor the U.S. service personnel who sacrificed their lives in Afghanistan and Iraq. The event, now in its 19th year, took place at Troy Field, where the names, ages, and hometowns of the fallen were read aloud in a solemn ceremony.

A Personal Tribute

This year’s memorial held special significance for Francisco Hernandez, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, who attended to pay tribute to his friend and fellow crew member, Alan Carbaugh. Hernandez recounted the tragic day when their ship caught fire on the Columbia River, leading to Carbaugh’s ultimate sacrifice. ‘His name was called. And he made the ultimate sacrifice. We were friends. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about him,’ Hernandez shared.

With the assistance of event organizer Tracy Miller, Hernandez found Carbaugh’s name among the plaques that serve as a living memorial to the stories of each fallen service member. The event emphasizes that these are not just names and numbers but stories of real people who served their country with honor.

Community Involvement

The organizers of ‘We Are Remembering – Not Just A Number’ are seeking volunteers for next year’s reading. They also plan to introduce a memory book dedicated to Central Oregon veterans who have served in various conflicts. This initiative aims to preserve the stories and memories of local heroes, and volunteers are needed to assist with this meaningful project.

For those interested in volunteering or learning more, the event’s website offers additional information and a stream of the reading for those who wish to participate remotely.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.