HERMISTON, OR – In a solemn commemoration of the tragic events that unfolded 80 years ago, the Columbia Development Authority and the Oregon Military Department came together to honor the memory of the six workers who lost their lives in the 1944 munitions explosion at the former Umatilla Army Ordnance Depot. The memorial service, held on March 21, 2024, served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served their country.
State Rep. Greg Smith, representing the Columbia Development Authority, spoke eloquently at the gathering, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and honoring the individuals who gave their lives that fateful day. While the cause of the explosion remains unknown, the significance of the lives lost was not lost on those in attendance.
The accidental explosion, which occurred at 9:21 p.m. on March 21, 1944, claimed the lives of Harry D. Sever, Hiram Cook, Kenneth L. Fraser, William Sanders, Alice Wolgamott, and Lance Stultz. Tributes were paid to these individuals through speeches, prayers, and moments of silence throughout the ceremony.
Raymond Huesties of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation offered a tribal prayer, underscoring the cultural and historical importance of the area where the explosion took place. As the community gathered to honor the memory of the fallen, the enduring impact of the tragedy was palpable.
Oregon National Guard Chaplain (Col.) Jacob Scott led prayers to commemorate the sacrifice of the six individuals who perished in the explosion, highlighting their contribution to the nation’s defense during a tumultuous period in history. The ceremony, marked by symbolic gestures and solemn music, paid tribute to the legacy of those who died in service to their country.
The renaming of the former Umatilla Army Ordnance Depot to the Raymond F. Rees Training Center signifies a new chapter in the site’s history, as it now serves as the home of the Oregon Army National Guard Regional Infantry Training center. This transformation reflects the evolution of the area from a military munitions depot to a vital training ground for the nation’s defenders.
State Sen. Bill Hansell, reflecting on his family’s connection to the region, emphasized the personal impact of the explosion on the community. His poignant words highlighted the lasting legacy of the tragedy and the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by those who perished in the line of duty. As the event concluded, participants paid their respects and honored the memory of the fallen with a renewed sense of gratitude and reverence.