'Don't forget those who have paid the supreme price: their life'

CORVALLIS, Ore. - Les Whittle turned a dream into stone 14 years ago, casting 119 names in black marble and concrete outside the National Guard armory.

"This memorial is dedicated to all veterans - men, women," said Whittle. "The residents and the businesses of Benton County own this memorial, not huge corporations."

The names are those of people from Benton County who have died serving their country in wars and conflicts dating back to World War I.

"What I'm trying to say really is don't forget the veterans," said Whittle, a Korean War vet. "Don't forget those who have paid the supreme price: their life."

Whittle said it took two years of research to find all the veterans who died in action. 

Since then, it's been a lot of work taking care of this dream.  

"And I'm getting old," he said.

So Whittle is ready to pass the torch if a younger vet or community member is willing to be of service.

"Somebody is going to have to step forward," he said. "I'd like to see someone work with me for about a year."

The job includes leading annual Memorial Day programs at the armory.  

For National Guard soldier Jordan Smotherman, the memorial is a daily reminder.

"For me, I don't feel like I can properly do my job unless I know what the risks are and who did it before me," Smotherman said.

The memorial kindles a flame of remembrance that Whittle hopes will burn long after he's gone.

"To them we extend our eternal gratitude," he said.