Michael Anderson waits to speak at a commemoration event in honor of his father Sunday at Elm Grove Cemetery in Washington. Photo by Sally Y. Hart.

On May 17th, 1966, FBI Special Agent Terry Anderson was killed in the line of duty while working to rescue an abducted 17-year-old girl. On Sunday, the Washington Historic Preservation Commission held a commemorative event at Elm Grove Cemetery to mark the 50th anniversary of his death.

His son, Michael Anderson, a retired FBI agent, who was 12 at the time of his father’s death spoke and said he can remember every detail of the day his father died. He shared his gratitude and said to have everyone there speaks volumes of the quality of people in Washington. Anderson added by being in attendance it honored not only his father, but also his mother who raised four children on her own.

The event included a biography of Terry Anderson and the explanation of the Shade Gap Incident where he died. Also, FBI Agent Michael Kittsmiller from the Omaha field office spoke, saying the anniversary also falls within peace officers memorial week and each year about 144 federal, state and local law enforcement officers lose their lives in the U.S.

Members of the Washington Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol and FBI were in attendance. Three classmates of Terry Anderson also attended the event, all from his class, the class of 1941.

For more photos from the event visit KCII Radio’s Facebook page.