Local Memorial Day events planned throughout weekend.

Byline: Jim Feehan The Register-Guard

Parades, wreath laying, 21-gun salutes and a barbecue supporting military families are among some of this weekend's Memorial Day ceremonies.

Memorial Day began on May 30, 1868, as a day to lay flowers on the graves on Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.

The holiday came at the urging of early women's groups who wanted to decorate the graves of Civil War soldiers.

Memorial Day was commemorated on May 30 until it was moved to the last Monday of May to create a three-day weekend.

Memorial Day-related events kick off today with Operation Dear Soldier, a barbecue at Island Park in Springfield to benefit the National Guard Family Support Program for the 2nd Battalion, 162 Infantry, Alpha Company.

The Family Support Program provides financial and community support for families of the Cottage Grove-based National Guard soldiers. The barbecue runs from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a suggested donation of $2.

In memory of those who made the supreme sacrifice for their country in the line of duty, Gov. Ted Kulongoski asks that all state flags at public institutions be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon on Monday.

"Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the many sacrifices countless men and women have made throughout our nation's history to preserve our democracy and America's cherished values," he said in a statement. "Again, as we commemorate Memorial Day, we do so with special significance as many of Oregon's finest citizens are still serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and in other important military assignments around the world."

Getting to some of the Memorial Day events may take a little longer as the Oregon Department of Transportation is warning motorists to expect heavy congestion and numerous work zones on Interstate 5, Highway 58 and Highway 20.

Several local and statewide Memorial Day events are scheduled this weekend to honor those who died serving their country. The events include:

TODAY

4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Operation Dear Soldier, benefit barbecue for local National Guard soldiers, suggested donation $2, Island Park, Springfield.

SATURDAY

11 a.m., parade in Coos Bay's downtown, hosted by U.S. Coast Guard, Civil Air Patrol, Naval Sea Cadets Color Guard and American Legion Post 34; 1 p.m., wreath-laying ceremony at Marshfield Pioneer Cemetery.

SUNDAY

11 a.m., Willamette National Cemetery, Portland. The Oregon chapter of the Chosin Few will hold its annual memorial ceremony at the cemetery's Korean War Veterans' Memorial, 11800 S.E. Mt. Scott Blvd.

MONDAY

9 a.m., American Legion Post 40's service at the Veterans Wall at Willamalane Park, Springfield.

9 a.m., Mount Calvary Cemetery, Memorial Day Mass, followed by flag ceremony, 220 Crest Drive, Eugene.

10 a.m., Sunset Hills Cemetery, flag ceremony and memorial service, 4810 Willamette St., Eugene.

10 a.m., Willamette National Cemetery, flag ceremony, rifle salute, military band, military fly-over and keynote address by Gov. Kulongoski, 11800 S.E. Mt. Scott Blvd., Portland.

10 a.m., Rest Lawn Memorial Park, commemorative service provided by Junction City American Legion Post 61, 94335 Territorial Highway, Junction City.

10 a.m., Oak Hill Cemetery, commemorative service provided by U.S. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9448, 88558 Oak Hill Cemetery Road, Eugene.

10:15 a.m., Springfield Memorial Gardens, ceremony, 7305 Main St.

11 a.m., Eugene Pioneer Cemetery, performance by Shasta Middle School Band and Choir at Civil War Veterans' Plot, 980 E. 16th St., Eugene.

11 a.m., Mount Vernon Cemetery, ceremony provided by the Springfield U.S. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3965, 57th Street and Mount Vernon Road, Springfield.

12:30 p.m., Eugene Masonic Cemetery, Taps played at the public square and walking tours, 25th Avenue and University Street, Eugene.

1 p.m., Rest-Haven Memorial Park, dedication ceremony, 3900 Willamette St., Eugene.

1:30 p.m., Westlawn Cemetery, commemorative service, guest speakers include Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy, state Rep. Debbi Farr and retired Brig. Gen. Norm Hoffman, 225 S. Danebo Ave., Eugene.