Sisters set to mark Memorial Day

In what has become a beloved tradition over more than two decades, Sisters veterans and citizens will gather at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 27, in the Village Green for a community day of honor and remembrance in recognition of Memorial Day.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8138, American Legion Post 86, and the Sisters chapter of Band of Brothers host the observances, which mark the day in which the United States honors those who have fallen in the nation’s wars.

Pat Bowe, a U.S. Army Vietnam War Veteran and Post Commander of VFW Post 8138, will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

This year’s keynote speaker will be Senior Master Sergeant. Been Hellickson, U.S. Air Force, Ret.

Hellickson enlisted in the Air Force in 1965 and was stationed in Texas, Mississippi, Florida, and Alaska during his tenure in the service. His specialty was aircraft control and warning repair. After his active duty, he served in the Oregon Air National Guard, where he designed interface systems to allow mobile radars to interface with operations equipment and missile control systems.

He worked for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and became the Electronic Quality Control Assurance Specialist for NOAA’s entire fleet of ships. Hellickson is a longtime, active member of the American Legion.

Ceremonial observances include posting and retiring of the colors, the signing of the National Anthem, a medley of service songs and recognition of veterans in attendance, and observances of POW/MIA.

The ceremony will be followed by lunch at the Village Green Pavilion, which the public is invited to attend.