Roseburg National Cemetery addition opens

NICHOLAS JOHNSON/The News-Review World War II veteran Sam Fred Rich's headstone stands alone Wednesday morning in the Roseburg National Cemetery Annex. Rich, whose son is Roseburg Mayor Larry Rich, was the first to be interred at the recently completed annex on the south end of the VA campus in Roseburg.

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NICHOLAS JOHNSON/The News-Review The recently completed Roseburg National Cemetery Annex on the south end of the VA campus in Roseburg is seen in morning sunlight Wednesday.

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NICHOLAS JOHNSON/The News-Review The recently completed Roseburg National Cemetery Annex on the south end of the VA campus in Roseburg is seen in morning sunlight Wednesday.

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NICHOLAS JOHNSON/The News-Review A wreath adorned with flags representing various military departments sits at the base of the flagpole Wednesday at the recently completed Roseburg National Cemetery Annex on the south end of the VA campus in Roseburg.

The new section of the Roseburg National Cemetery was opened Tuesday with a ceremony to mark the interment of Sam Fred Rich, a World War II veteran who was the father of Roseburg Mayor Larry Rich. “With Dad being so patriotic, it was really special,” Larry Rich said. “I loved my dad. I’m just so thankful for what they did for him. It’s very touching. I know my mom loved it.” The Roseburg National Cemetery on Harvard Avenue was established in 1897 to serve veterans residing at the Oregon State Soldiers’ home. The cemetery has been unable to accept casket …