HERMISTON – The “Avenue of Flags” will grace the Hermiston Cemetery throughout the weekend in honor of Memorial Day. The cemetery, which is open from dawn until dusk, is located off South Highway 395, Hermiston.

Joe Cox, chaplain of Hermiston V.F.W. Desert Post No. 4750 Chaplain Joe Cox, looks at Memorial Day as a time to remember family and friends who have been lost, not just those lost in military service.

On Monday, Cox will lead a short Memorial Day service at 10 a.m. at the VFW shelter in the Hermiston Cemetery, on Cemetery Road off South Highway 395.

The service will include members of the Hermiston VFW, Hermiston American Legion Post No. 37, the Disabled American Veterans and the Oregon National Honor Guard. Bill Burke, Walla Walla tribal chief and Korean War veteran, will be a guest speaker.

After the posting of the colors and a short prayer, the honor guard will present a flag to the family of a veteran, who has not received a flag before.

Cox encourages the community to attend the service or to enjoy the “Avenue of Flags.”