Eagle Point, Ore. — On this Memorial Day people across Southern Oregon remembered those who died while serving our country and the family members they left behind.
While many celebrate our freedom by attending backyard barbecues or spending the day at the lake it’s a more somber day for the DeYoung family.
“It’s not a barbecue day for us, that’s for sure,” Bryce DeYoung said.
His brother, Marine Recon Sergeant Matthew DeYoung died while serving in Afghanistan in 2011. The 26-year-old left behind a large family including a wife and a young daughter.
“He was the best man I ever knew in my life. He was always there for us, he’d do anything for anyone, and obviously his country. He paid the ultimate sacrifice to make sure we all have the freedoms we have today,” Bryce said.
Matthew graduated from Phoenix High School in 2002. He served in Iraq and Afghanistan from 2004 to 2011. While the family thinks about Matthew every day hundreds of people joined them Monday at Eagle Point National Cemetery.
“We’re just trying to keep his legacy going. That’s what we do we just try to live our lives through him every day,” Bryce said.
The turnout proving that while so many have fallen, they’re far from forgotten.
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