Memorial Day at Bend’s VFW combines a piece of little-known history alongside military-themed comfort food
Tracee Tuesday
BEND, Ore. [KTVZ] — Following a number of Memorial Day ceremonies, many gathered at Post 1643, Veterans of Foreign Wars in Bend, on Monday, to continue the day’s observances.
The VFW serves as a gathering place for veterans and their families, and it’s open to the public.
These local Memorial Day events not only honor those we’ve lost but also strengthen the bonds within the community.
Chris Thomson, a veteran who served in the Marine corps during the Yugoslav wars in the1990’s said, the VFW is home to an incredible piece of Oregon history.
“We’re very fortunate. Tha’Fridge, the food cart out here has loaned us this flag, which was made 167 years ago to commemorate the 33rd, state of our union, and this flag is bearing 33 stars. It’s very tattered. It went on display over 100 years ago.”
Thomson, who currently serves as the adjutant for Bend’s VFW, says the flag will embark upon a mini tour with stops at libraries and the Oregon state capitol.
The flag, which is owned by Tha’Fridge, the food truck located on the premises of the VFW, serves up comfort food – made with love and uniquely named.
“I mean, really, everything is military based. You know, it resonates with any person. We all kind of had… This is my nephew Jonathan, my mother, Judy Trego. Yeah. She really had a huge part in it, and it’s just something that is fun, that kind of takes the, you know, the real reality out of, what they deal with, and put it in the food and make it into something that they can appreciate now, and make them feel good,” said Tha’Fridge owner, Ryan Trego.
Memorial Day means so much to many military service men and women, along with their families.
Bend stands united in remembrance and gratitude for the heroes who gave everything for our freedom.