HERMISTON — A memorial service will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the 1944 munitions explosion at the former Umatilla Army Ordnance Depot.

The public ceremony honoring six people who died in the igloo explosion will be March 21, 10 a.m. at the Raymond F. Rees Training Center, 78798 Ordnance Road, Hermiston. Those planning to attend are directed to use the entrance into the former depot property off Interstate 82 Exit 10 — via the overpass at Westland and Lamb roads — an escort will be led to the tribute site.

According to a press release, as the United States prepared for World War II, the U.S. Army began building a military munitions and supply depot in 1940 on 20,000 acres of land in Umatilla and Morrow counties near Hermiston. The site was selected because it was safe from attacks by sea, as well as the proximity to established railroad lines and a port location on the Columbia River.

The accidental explosion on March 21, 1944, took place inside one of the many concrete igloos where bombs were stored, leaving a deep crater. It killed six workers at the facility.

Hosted by the Columbia Development Authority and the Oregon Military Department, the service will include military honors performed by the Oregon National Guard Color Guard members, a Tribal blessing by representatives of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, a wreath-laying vigil by the American Legion and a blessing from the Oregon Military Department chaplain. Others scheduled to attend include Sen. Bill Hansell, CDA representatives, including Executive Director Greg Smith, Chairman Kim Puzey and board member John Shafer, along with members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.

After the ceremony, representatives from the Oregon Military Department Wildland Fire Protection Program will lead a procession to the center’s Explosion Site Memorial Plaque. A moment of silence will be led by Oregon National Guard chaplain Col. Jacob Scott and Toby Patrick of the CTUIR. The event will conclude with remarks from guest speakers and a complimentary lunch in the barrack’s great room.

For more about the depot’s history, visit www.umadra.com/history. For questions about the anniversary event, call the CDA at 541-481-3693.

Memorial Service

WHEN: March 21, 10 a.m.

WHERE: Raymond F. Rees Training Center

ADDRESS: 78798 Ordnance Road, Hermiston