
WARRENTON, Ore. — Before the memorial service for Sgt. David Mitts, Warrenton High School students cleaned the grounds of the school where he had earned a seat on the homecoming court and fell in love with the girl who would become his wife.
Yellow ribbons adorned the trees and the message board in front of the school read: “In Memory of David Mitts 1980-2004.”
The school let students out early for the service, and soon the halls were crowded with Army officers, friends and family, many wearing ribbons and a photo of Mitts pinned to their lapels. Tables in the high school lobby bore photos of the young man at play and in uniform.
Mitts, 24, was killed Dec. 4...