A Eugene tradition honors the brave this Memorial Day
By Kim Quintero KVAL NewsEUGENE, Ore. - A Eugene tradition brought out hundreds to Lane Memorial Gardens, Monday. The chapel filled with veterans of war, families and others who honored the brave men and women in uniform, with a solemn ceremony. Some said this Memorial Day may have even more meaning while US armed forces are overseas at war. "Just hold it together, and come home safely," said Ruthy Rhoades, Veneta resident. While praying for heroes afar, Rhoades sat by her husband's side. "He was a medic, and he got trench foot in Europe. So he came back on the Queen Mary, and they sent him back to the West Coast, and he was in hospitals for a long time," said Ruthy Rhoades. World War II veteran Charlie Rhoades has Alzheimer's, but he still remembered the duties he selflessly performed. "Taking care of the wounded. Patching them up. Whatever they needed," said Charlie Rhoades. For his service, those of generations past and present, was a room full of gratitude translated through song, tears, and flags. "We need to honor our soldiers- everyone of us, and remember them," said Kim Hudson, wife of an Oregon Army National Guardsman. Kim Hudson lost a husband. Her children lost a father, and the nation lost a hero. "It's been almost three months, and it just feels like it happened yesterday," said Kim Hudson. Army SFC Jon Hudson died just before his deployment to Iraq. "We found out he had leukemia, which we believe came from the Gulf War," said Kim Hudson. Kim Hudson laid a wreath symbolizing all families who lost a loved one while serving in the armed forces. "It's an honor," said Kim Hudson. "It's hard to put into words what it means." |
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