This sign on Highway 395, just north of the Highway 20/395 intersection outside Burns, is one of two in Harney County dedicating the highway's 383-mile stretch through Oregon in memory of World War I veterans.

BURNS – The 383-mile stretch of Highway 395 that traverses through Oregon has been named “World War I Veterans Memorial Highway.”

Two signs, built by the Oregon Department of Transportation, are being installed in Harney County. Eight more signs will be installed near Lakeview, John Day, Pendleton and Umatilla, once the Bend Heroes Foundation receives the $900 in donations needed for each sign. They are ordered from ODOT, who installs them as payments are made. Donations are tax deductible.

Tentative locations for the signs in Grant County are just south of Canyon City and just north of Mt. Vernon.

A dedication ceremony was held Nov. 9 at the Harney County Courthouse in Burns. Harney County Veterans Service Officer Guy McKay and several veterans offered presentations at the event. Closing speakers included Sen. Ted Ferrioli (R-John Day); Charlie Schmidt, from the American Legion National Executive Committee; and Joel McCarroll, ODOT Region 4 traffic manager.

The Harney County signs were funded by Mary Jane Tobiason, daughter of WWI Army veteran Arthur H. Moody, Burns American Legion post No. 63, Burns Band of Brothers and the Burns Elks Lodge.

The newest Veterans Memorial Highway in Oregon honors the 44,200 Oregonians who served, the 1,000 who died and the 1,800 who were wounded during the 1917-1918 war.

To make a donation, contact John Day Elks Lodge No. 1824, at 541-575-1824. Donations may also be made to the Bend Heroes Foundation, 1900 N.E. 3rd St., Suite 106, #205, Bend, OR, 97701, or visit www.bendheroes.org.