Klamath Falls comes together to remember and honor service men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for freedom

Colonel Jeff Edwards speaks at the 2019 Memorial Day celebration at Veteran’s Park. May 27, 2019 (Image: Brian Gailey / Klamath Falls News)

“Singer songwriter Billy Ray Cyrus wrote one of my favorite songs,” said Colonel Jeff Edwards, Vice-Commander of the 173rd Fighter Wing, and Guest speaker of the Memorial Day celebration. “He said ‘All gave some, some gave all,’ but how do we know? How do we know what that was like to give all?”

“I think it comes from knowing their stories and sharing their stories,” said Col Edwards. “I have heard stories today of D-Day and Normandy. I have heard stories of Korea. Even now there are stories that are developing. Because in every corner of this globe, our sons and daughters, or mothers and our fathers they are out there fighting for us right now.”

“After hearing some of the stories, that I have heard from some of our veterans, I think they know more than I do about what it means to give all,” says Col. Edwards. “This is really a day about those who gave all. Memorial Day is a time to remember, it is a time to reflect, it’s a time to renew.”

The ceremony was kicked off by a F-15 flyover from the 173rd Fighter Wing.

Emotional and humbling the Memorial Day ceremony is an event to remind why we celebrate and honor those that gave everything for this nation. During the ceremony wreaths were placed in honor of the fallen; prayers were given; tributes made to POW’s and MIA’s that have yet to come home.

The ceremony is closed by a three gun salute and playing of taps.