Kitzhaber unlikely to attend all military funerals

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Gov. John Kitzhaber says he will not be able to attend every military funeral in Oregon.

The Oregonian reports that Kitzhaber said military funerals remain a high priority but if he is unable to be there, other high-ranking officials can attend.

Kitzhaber succeeded Gov. Ted Kulongoski, a former Marine who attended nearly every military funeral of Oregonians killed in action in Iraq and Afghanistan.

So far, there have been two military funerals since Kitzhaber took office in January, one for a Marine from Medford and one for an Oregon Army National Guard soldier from Albany.

Kitzhaber was in Washington, D.C., attending a national governor’s conference during the first funeral and did not attend the second because he had a family conflict.

___

Information from: The Oregonian, http://www.oregonlive.com