August 27, 2024 3:20 a.m.

Douglas County Commissioners Chris Boice, Tim Freeman and Tom Kress, in concert with the Douglas County Veterans Forum and the Douglas County Veterans Advisory Committee will present a rededication ceremony for the county’s Veteran’s War Memorial on Wednesday, September 18th at 10:00 a.m. at the courthouse.

A county release said memorial is on the lawn near the front entrance under the canopy of the 126-year-old Courthouse heritage elm tree. The memorial was originally built in 1971 to honorably display a list of the county’s casualties of war. Over the years the memorial has been added to with plaques containing names of fallen wartime individuals and new battles and conflicts.

The memorial underwent a small restoration in 2007, but several repair items were not able to be completed due to budget constraints. In July 2023, Douglas County was awarded an Oregon Heritage -Veterans and War Memorial grant from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

Commissioner Freeman said, “The primary goal of the restoration project was to preserve the integrity of our War Memorial site, so it remains beautiful, reverent and accessible for future generations”. Freeman said, “The restoration project will allow us to continue to provide an impactful historical point of interest that honors our fallen wartime heroes, reaffirms our sincere gratitude for their ultimate sacrifice, honor all veterans and their families and remind our community that they will never be forgotten”.

The ceremony will feature the raising, for the first time of the POW/MIA flag over the courthouse grounds, a wreath laying honoring the 250 county men that paid the ultimate sacrifice for the country and the Blue and Gold Star families, and more.

The event is free and open to the public.