Eighty years is a long time, but not too long to remember those who gave the last full measure in an effort to defeat global totalitarianism.

Remembering the sacrifices of six civilian workers who died loading a 500-pound bomb in a bunker at the Umatilla Army Ordnance Depot outside of Hermiston on March 21, 1944, was the goal of a ceremony last week.

The ceremony attracted key local notables, including state Rep. Greg Smith, state Sen. Bill Hansell and Raymond Huesties, of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.

“Today, the Columbia Development Authority is preserving this site as a memorial in honor of those who lost their lives,” said Smith, who was on hand to represent the development authority.

The overall theme of the ceremony could have been very somber, but the event was clearly about an effort to remember those who were lost.

Often in times of a major war, especially World War II, the efforts and the sacrifices of those who were not on the front line — but helped achieve victory — are forgotten.

There were millions of individuals during World War II who did not participate in the great land and sea battles that ruled Europe or the Pacific but who were instrumental in the nation’s success.

The people honored at the ceremony — Harry D. Sever, Hiram Cook, Kenneth L. Fraser, Lance A. Stultz, Williams R. Sanders and Alice M Wolgamott — were part of that often-unsung group that worked in a variety of jobs that were part — and essential — to the overall war effort.

The ceremony and the decision by the Columbia Development Authority to preserve the site as a memorial is fitting and a wise move to work to ensure those who gave their lives during wartime will not be forgotten.

Events locked inside the shifting sands of history often can get blurred, the names and the people distorted, but an event such as the one conducted last week at the former Army depot is a good sign that these six people won’t fade into the sinews of the past.