HERMISTON — A trio of events in Hermiston during Memorial Day weekend offers the public an opportunity to salute those who have served our country.

American Legion Post and Auxiliary Unit No. 37 is hosting “The Wall of Honor: A Tribute to Those We Lost in Iraq and Afghanistan.” The comprehensive exhibit will officially open Saturday, May 28 with a 9 a.m. ceremony at the Hermiston Community Center, 415 S. Highway 395.

Featuring the names and photos of those who were killed in action, the display will be available for view from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through Monday, May 30. It includes more than 6,100 service members, who fought in Desert Storm, Desert Shield, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn, Operation Enduring Freedom and more.

The exhibit will be delivered and erected Friday afternoon by Vets Helping Vets, a nonprofit group based in Albany, Oregon. A motorcycle honor guard will escort The Wall’s trailer to Eastern Oregon. Cathy Stolz, auxiliary president, said area bikers are invited to help usher the display into town. Those interested can meet the group Friday at noon in Biggs and ride the final 80 miles into Hermiston, she said.

The Wall was initially created as part of a 2005 senior project by a Milwaukie High School student at the suggestion of Ken Buckles, who was on staff at the school. Stolz said after the project was complete, the student turned it over to Vets Helping Vets, who have upgraded and updated it over the years. The group transports and displays it throughout the year. This Memorial Day weekend, Stolz said, will be its first appearance in Eastern Oregon.

A retired teacher, author and speaker, Buckles is the executive director of Remembering America’s Heroes. Based in Milwaukie, the nonprofit organization provides education to youths and the community.

“Their goal is to teach high school students and others how important it is to honor the U.S. flag and appreciate our veterans and freedoms,” Stolz said.

Buckles arranged for a group of veterans to present an assembly Friday morning at Hermiston High School. Because of limited seating, the event isn’t open to the general public. However, the patriotic and inspirational presentation will be repeated Friday, 7 p.m. at New Hope Community Church, 1350 S. Highway 395, Hermiston.

And finally, a Memorial Day ceremony will be Monday, 10 a.m. at the Hermiston Cemetery. It will feature the reading of local veterans’ names and music will be provided by Umatilla High School. In addition, a special performance will feature “Echo Taps,” Stolz said.

“That always gives me goosebumps,” she said. “It’s such a moving tribute.”

Those planning to attend the ceremony at the cemetery are encouraged to bring chairs. Gold Star family members, Stolz said, can arrange seating for the ceremony by calling 541-720-1815. For additional information about any of the Memorial Day weekend events, call Stolz at 541-571-5816.