Annual veterans dinner well attended
CANYONVILLE, Ore. -- Veterans were honored Monday with a free dinner at the Seven Feathers Convention Center in Canyonville.
The event is hosted each year by the Cow Creek Tribe, and this is the 12th year the event was held.
An estimated 800 veterans and their spouses attended the dinner.
Several guest speakers talked to the vets, including Stanley Speaks, the Northwest Regional Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and Jim Willis, the state Director of Veterans Affairs.
Oregon Secretary of State Kate Brown also spoke to the veterans, thanking them for the sacrifices they made in serving their country. Brown told the veterans she was very grateful for their service. "I have to say, I'm very speechless and in awe of this event tonight, and the service that many of you have given our country," she said. "Thank you all very, very much for your service to the State of Oregon and the United States of America."
Former state legislator and World War II bomber pilot Bill Markham spoke about his experiences in the war, and he talked about the tremendous loss of life suffered.
The veterans were treated to a buffet dinner and entertained by young singer Gretchen Owens of Glendale, as well as the Glendale Valley Choir.
The Cow Creek Tribe calls it a special tribute to the thousands of veterans who served bravely so that we may enjoy the freedom we have today.
