Photos & Video by Don Backman
Story by Romy Carver
About 75 people of all ages gathered in the pouring rain on Monday morning for the 2026 Memorial Day service at Sunset Height Memorial Gardens in Tillamook. A small flag decorated every grave. The 45-minute service started at 11am, about the time the rains began. While it was uncomfortable and wet, it was nothing compared to the sacrifices made by those who served and died.
The Memorial Day services have been taking place for over 40 years at Sunset Heights, and over the years have featured local bands, vocalists, and recorded music. The ceremony featured the Star Spangled Banner, sung by Heather Phillips, and two songs by the Hope Inspired School Choir from God’s Lighthouse in Garibaldi.
The Cub Scout Troop 582 Color Guard marched through the showers to present the colors, and Donovan Goff led the Pledge of Allegiance.
The event featured words by Ron Watson, Dean Crist. Jeff Spink, and Brad Smith. Nick Torres provided a history of Memorial Day, which is intended to honor U.S. military personnel who served and died, not just about long weekends, gatherings, and fun.
The U.S. Armed Forces Anthem was played, and the veterans present stood and were applauded when their branch’s anthem was played.
Mike Hanratty, John King, and William Hatton read a list of veterans who had passed in Tillamook County in the last year. There were 78 names this year.
If you know of a veteran who died in Tillamook County this year who was not on the list, please contact Pastor Dean Crist of the First Christian Church, and they will ensure that person’s name is on the list for next year.
