Senate Candidate Served in Iraq

Paul Evans speaking recently in Independence Photo Courtesy: Ted Piper

(INDEPENDENCE) - "It doesn't matter if you are in favor of the war in Iraq or not. What matters is that we pay our respects to our service men and women who are serving us across the globe with honor and dignity." Former Mayor of Monmouth Paul Evans spoke to a gathered crowd on Memorial Day at the Independence State Airport. While voicing concern for all those who serve, his primary emphasis was to honor active and fallen Oregon pilots. He is well suited to do so; Evans is an Iraq War Veteran. He served as an air battle manager in Iraq in 2003 and 2005. Now Paul Evans is a candidate for the Oregon Senate. To many, an honorable military background helps shape a political leader. It is not a background that many of the nation`s current wartime leaders have. He says the special day designated to pay tribute is important, especially for veterans, `Memorial Day is a special day for all of us who have served our nation in uniform and for the families that supported us." The Independence Airpark was packed on Memorial Day, just one of several locations throughout the state where people gathered to pay honor to people who have served their country. A mix of aircraft fly-bys, static displays, exhibits and activities marked the Memorial Day celebration at the Independence Airpark. The facility houses a group of replica World War One Nieuport 11 biplanes that are an awesome sight when lined up wing-to-wing. The collection actually represents the single largest group of WW1 biplanes in the world. Perhaps the aircraft serve as a reminder that military pilots have been using the skies as a battlefield for almost 100 years now. They have advanced from rickety and downright dangerous planes like the original Nieuports, to planes that can circumnavigate the globe in just a matter of hours while flying several miles above the earth. Those who have laid their lives down for their country have paid the ultimate price. Evans says it is important on Memorial Day to remember the sacrifice of those that made and keep our nation safe.