Fallen soldiers to be honored

Three North Dakotans who were killed in action in Iraq and Afghanistan will be honored by adding their names to the North Dakota Memorial to the Fallen in the Global War on Terrorism. The recognition ceremony will be at 2 p.m. Saturday.

The memorial is a joint endeavor between the city of Bismarck and the North Dakota National Guard and is outside the main entrance at Fraine Barracks, Bismarck. It was dedicated on Sept. 11, 2009, and honors North Dakota service members who were killed during the global war on terrorism.

Service members who will be recognized for their sacrifice include:

* Sgt. Michael E. Bitz, U.S. Marine Corps, formerly of Wishek,

N.D., killed in action in Nasiriya, Iraq, March 23, 2003

* Pfc. Jonathan C. Yanney, U.S. Army, formerly of Hettinger,

N.D., killed in action in Argandab, Afghanistan, Aug. 18, 2009;

* Spc. Keenan A. Cooper, U.S. Army, formerly

of Wahpeton, N.D., killed

in action in Yakuta, Afghanistan, July 5, 2010.

The ceremony will be preceded by a motorcycle ride-in by the North Dakota Patriot Guard. Program highlights include the national anthem and remarks by Gov. John Hoeven, Rep. Earl Pomeroy, Bismarck Mayor John Warford and Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general. Dina Ferderer, whose late son Dennis is already honored on the memorial, will represent the families of the fallen. The ceremony will include a 21-gun salute and taps.

The public is invited. Parking is available at the Bank of North Dakota, near the east end of the Liberty Memorial Bridge.

The memorial and its maintenance are funded by private donations through the nonprofit North Dakota National Guard Foundation.

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