On Memorial Day, Wilsonville residents will have the opportunity to honor those who died serving in the armed forces at a local ceremony.

The annual event will begin at 10 a.m. at the Oregon Korean War Memorial in Town Center Park, with guest speakers including Mayor Shawn O’Neil and veterans. It will also include a wreath presentation ceremony and a flyover by the West Coast Ravens flight team.

Event organizer David Penaflor, who is the past president of the Korean War Veterans Association Oregon Trail Chapter and a Korean Defense Veteran who served two tours in South Korea, said Memorial Day is a sober holiday and allows families to reflect on loved ones who died serving in the armed forces. The event in Wilsonville, at the Korean War Memorial, also honors and remembers the 298 Oregonians who died during the Korean War.

Penaflor said the event helps to educate young people, including local Scout troops and members of the Civil Air Patrol Cadets Aurora Squadron, who may not be aware of the significance of the day. Their participation allows the children to learn about the sacrifice made by those who died “to defend the freedom of our country,” Penaflor said.

“That’s what Memorial Day is … it’s just remembering those who served for our country, and brought freedom to our country. And I’ll never forget their sacrifice,” Penaflor said.