Half-mast flags to honor fallen hero

By KATU News and KATU.com Staff Published: Sep 6, 2009 at 2:28 PM PST Last Updated: Sep 6, 2009 at 3:31 PM PST
Local fallen hero, Sgt. Earl Werner, »Play Video
Local fallen hero, Sgt. Earl Werner, was killed in Iraq Aug. 28. He was honored Saturday, with many flags at half-mast.

PORTLAND, Ore. - You may have noticed flags being flown at half-staff on Saturday at public buildings like schools and city halls.

The half-mast flags are to honor Sergeant Earl Werner with the Oregon Army National Guard.

The 38 year old from Amboy, Wash., was one of two Oregon Guard soldiers killed when an explosion tore into their convoy late last month.

Werner was honored at a private ceremony Saturday morning. He then was buried at Willamette National Cemetery on Mt. Scott in Portland.