Veterans Day 2010 Activities Across Oregon

(SALEM, Ore.) - On Veterans Day Oregon communities, towns and cities are planning special events, parades or other gatherings to honor military veterans. The Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs (ODVA) has compiled an updated statewide list of the events of which the agency is aware and that are scheduled on or near Veterans Day.

Veterans Day was originally established to honor Americans who had served in World War I. The war ended in Europe on Nov. 11, 1918—90 years ago—when the armistice was signed between Germany and the European allies at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

The following year, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as Armistice Day. In 1954, Congress voted to rename the federal holiday to Veterans Day in honor of all veterans.

Albany
Nov. 10 - 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. – Annual veteran of the Year Banquet at the Albany Eagles #2255, F.O.E., 127 Broadalbin St. N.W.
Nov. 11 - 6 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. – Optimists Pancake Breakfast, West Albany High School Cafeteria, 1130 Queen Ave. S.W.
8 a.m. – Memorial service at the Linn County Veterans Memorial located at Timber-Linn Park, 900 Price Road, S.E. A wreath will be laid in honor of past, present, and future veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces.
9 a.m. – Eagles Club Biscuits and Gravy Breakfast, Eagles Lodge, 127 Broadalbin St. N.W.
11 a.m. – Grande Parade: “Their Service – Our Freedom.” Parade route: Pacific Blvd., Lyons St., 2nd Ave., Ferry St., 5th Ave.
2 p.m. – Awards ceremonies on the Linn County Courthouse steps (approx. 20 minutes following parade).
Contact: Patty Louisiana 541-961-1466

Astoria
Nov. 13 - 8 a.m. – American Legion Post 12 will serve free breakfast, lunch, and dinner to veterans and their spouses (12 p.m. lunch, 5 p.m. Ham dinner). Donations are welcome.
6 p.m. – USO style Dance and displays. Veterans are encouraged to wear uniforms and bring photos.
Post 12 is located at 1132 Exchange St.
Contact: Mike Phillips at 503-791-4591

Beaverton
Nov. 11 - 11 a.m. – A ceremony will be held at Memorial Park, between Watson and Hall Streets. American Legion Post 124’s Honor Guard will post the Colors.
Contact: Marv Doty, 503-644-0350

Bend
Nov. 10 - 5 p.m. – Marine Corps Birthday Ball, Elks Lodge on Butler Market Rd. Reservations required.
Contact: Susie Wirges, 541-388-2604
Nov. 11 - 11 a.m. – A parade honoring women veterans and 1-82 CAV, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oregon Army Guard, begins at N.W. Newport Ave. and concludes at Galveston and Harmon. A flyover has been requested.
Contact: Rabbine Harpell, 541-480-4516
12 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Open House at VFW Post 1643 located at 1503 N.E. 4th St. The public is invited. Refreshments will be served.
Contact: Bob Cusick, 541-389-0775
Nov. 13 - 9 a.m. – Veterans Day/Marine Corps Birthday Run – 5K run/1 mile walk – in downtown next to City Hall, 710 N.W. Wall Street. This event will raise money for the Disabled American Veterans Portland shuttle van. Register online: www.vetsdayrun.homestead.com
Contact: Eric Chandler, 541-383-8061
Nov. 13 - 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Veterans Annual Chili Cook-Off Challenge at VFW Post 1643, 1503 N.E. 4th Street. The public is invited to attend. Food, drinks and music, proceeds benefit local veterans organizations.
Contact: Bob Cusick, 541-389-0775

Burns
Nov. 14 - 10:30 a.m. – A special program at the Desert Historical Theater will feature Medal of Honor recipient Bob Maxwell. The theater is located at 68 N. Broadway.
Contact: Guy McKay, 541-573-1342

Canyonville
Nov. 11 - 11 a.m. – Veterans’ Remembrance Ceremony at City Hall. Guest speakers: County Commissioner Susan Morgan, and Sue Shaffer, Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua Indians and former State Rep. Bill Markham. Refreshments will be served.
Contact: Chuck Spindel, 541-863-1602

Central Point
Nov. 11 - 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. – The Oregon Fallen War Heroes Memorial will have an event to honor all veterans of Oregon. This memorial honors all military personnel killed in action since Oregon’s statehood in 1859. The Memorial is located on Hamrick Road, as it becomes Vilas Road, next to the LaClinica Central Point Medical Clinic. Take Exit 33 from I-5.
Contact: Marty Terell, 541-664-0191

Coos Bay
Nov. 11 - 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. – American Legion Post 34 will host a breakfast, 1421 Airport Way. 6 p.m. – The Coos Bay Eagles Lodge #568 and American Legion Post 34 will sponsor a dinner at the Eagles Lodge, 568 S. 2nd St., free for all veterans and their spouses. No-host social hour, 5-6 p.m.
Contact: Paul Truax, 541-297-3236

Corvallis
Nov. 11 - 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Oregon State University Veterans Affairs and Veterans and Family Student Association are co-hosting a veterans social at the Memorial Union Veteran’s Lounge.
Nov. 12 - 11 a.m. – Oregon State University AFROTC Detachment 685 presents a ceremony at OSU’s Memorial Union outdoor quad, 26th and Jefferson Way. Ceremony includes a guest speaker, reading of Oregon POW/MIA names and 21-gun salute. A flyover has been requested. Join a 12-hour flag walk or a 24-hour POW/MIA vigil.
Contact: Kyle Hatch, Director of Veterans Affairs’ at OSU, 541-737-6366

Dallas
Nov. 11 - 11 a.m. – Veterans’ Memorial Bridge dedication ceremony, located at S.W. Levens St. and S.W. Walnut. Guest speakers: Mayor Jim Fairchild, City Manager Jerry Wyatt.
Contact: Emily Gagner, 503-831 3502, or emily.gagner@ci.dallas.or.us

Elkton
Nov. 10 - 1 p.m. – Elkton High School will honor veterans with a special Assembly in the school’s gymnasium. Veterans who because of their service in the military were not able to complete high school (and who previously qualified) will be receiving official high school diplomas.
Contact: Melissa Whitley, 541-584-2228, ext. 2

Estacada
Nov. 11 - 11 a.m. – ‘Proud to be an American’ parade will begin at the high school, 355 N.E. 6th Ave.
12 p.m. – An affordable all-American lunch of hot dogs, chips, apple pie and a soda.
1 p.m. – Veterans Day ceremony at the Estacada High School football field. A reception for Oregon Gold Star Families will follow at 500 N.E. Main St.
Contact: Becky Ginsbach, 503-209-6800

Florence
Nov. 6 - 1 p.m. – The 5th Annual parade travels on 6th St. and Hwy. 101 to Bay St., then to Veterans Memorial Park. Service branch flags will be sold. Website: www.florenceveteransdayparade.com/
Contact: Megan Gerber, 541-999-8216

Forest Grove
Nov. 14 - 12 p.m. – American Legion Post 2 and Elks Lodge 2440 will co-host a ceremony, followed by speakers, entertainment and a free lunch for veterans, current active-duty military personnel and their families. Lunch begins at 1 p.m. The lodge is located at 2810 Pacific Ave.
Contact: Jim Craig, American Legion Post 2, 503-357-3660, or Elks Lodge at 503-357-2440

Hood River
Nov. 11 - 11 a.m. – Veterans ceremony at the Anderson’s Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont Dr.
Contacts: Jack Trumbull, 541-386-1000, or Bob Huskey, 541-386-2599

Klamath Falls
Nov. 11 - 11 a.m. – Veterans Day Parade downtown will begin on Spring St. and conclude at Veterans Memorial Park at Main and Klamath Ave. A ceremony following will include placing wreaths for each military era. Guest speaker: Col. Jim Miller, Commander, 173rd Fighter Wing. A fly-over has been requested.
Contact: Ron Ballard, 541-891-1004

La Grande
Nov. 11 - 11 a.m. – American Legion Post 43 Veterans Parade along Adams Ave. VFW Post 4060 will lead the parade. A spaghetti feed will be held afterwards at the Post 43 Legion Hall, 301 Fir St. Cost: Free to Legion members; $3.50 for non-members.
Contact: John Marsh, 541-910-0123

La Pine
Nov. 11 - 11 a.m. – Ceremony at La Pine Community Cemetery. Afterwards, American Legion Post 45, 52532 Drafter Rd., will host an open house with hamburgers and hot dogs.
Contact: Pat Cotton, 541-536-1402

Lebanon
Nov. 6 - 5:30 p.m. – American Legion Post 51 will hold a prime rib dinner at 480 S. Main St. in Lebanon. Doors open at 5 p.m. Cost: $13. A USO-style show and dance with a 13-piece swing band will follow at 7 p.m. There is no cover charge.
Contact: Vikki Richards, 541-451-1351

McMinnville
Nov. 11 - 7 p.m. – “Honoring All Who Served,” a free public concert, will be held at the McMinnville Community Center, 600 Evans St. Donations for the 218th Field Artillery Family Support Program will be gratefully accepted. Performing: The Second Winds Community Band.
Contact: John Hunt, 503-472-9785

Medford
Nov. 11 - 11 a.m. – The annual parade begins at Main St. and Hawthorne Ave. A service and community organization Color Guard competition is part of the parade. Sponsored by www.MedfordVeterans.org Contact: Tim Garr, Medford Veterans, 541-778-6139
2 p.m. – Ceremony at Medford Veterans Memorial Park, on Pacific Highway, sponsored by Non-Commissioned Officers Association, Rogue Valley Chapter 1260. Contact: Herbert Robb, 541-535-1899
6 p.m. – Southern Oregon University Swing and Concert Bands will perform a free concert at the Medford Army, 1701 S. Pacific Hwy. Swing music and patriotic songs wil highluight the 2 hours concert.
Contact: Southern Oregon University, 541-708-0365

Milton-Freewater
Nov. 11 - 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. – Breakfast at the American Legion on N.E. 8th Ave.
11 a.m. - Parade begins at N.E. 8th Ave. and Main Street.
12 p.m. - Chili Feed at the Elks Lodge on Main St. Free for veterans and a small charge for all others.
3 p.m. - Ceremony at the American Legion Hall Flag pole, N.E. 8th Ave.
Contact: Alice Thomsen, 541-938-6889

Milwaukie
Nov. 7 - 5 p.m. – Free Spaghetti Dinner for veterans and families at GracePointe Church, 10750 S.E. 42nd Ave. Color Guard, keynote speakers at 5 p.m. Dinner served at 5:30 p.m.
Contact: GracePointe Church , 503-654-9593
Nov. 9 - 10:30 a.m. – Milwaukie High School, 11300 S.E. 23rd Ave., will hold their annual Gold Star Assembly featuring Tuskegee Airman and author Alex Jefferson.
Contact: Ken Buckles, 503-659-5157
Nov. 11 - 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Open House at American Legion Post 180, 2146 S.E. Monroe St. Hot dogs and chili will be served.
3 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Live patriotic music provided by Portland American Legion Post 185 musicians. All veterans and their families are welcome.
Contact: Nina Nelson, 503-659-5646

North Bend
Nov. 11 - 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. – American Legion Bay Area Post 34, 1421 Airport Way, will host the annual breakfast. Cost: $5; children under 12, $2.50. An 11 a.m. remembrance ceremony will celebrate the history of Veterans Day.
Contact: Mike Button, 541-294-0611

Ontario
Nov. 6 - 1 p.m. (MST) – The 9th Annual American Legion Post 67 parade will form-up on Alameda and S.W. 4th Ave., and conclude at the train depot.
Nov. 11 - 11 a.m. (MST) – American Legion Post 67 will host a memorial ceremony at Evergreen Cemetery at the American Legion Memorial, 1155 S. Park Blvd.
Contact: Steve Farrow, 541-881-1389, or Russ Snow, 541-889-6649

Oregon City
Nov. 10 - 8 a.m. – Oregon City High School will honor veterans at an assembly. Area veterans are invited to attend. The high school is located at 19761 S. Beavercreek Rd. Coffee and refreshments will be available in the Hospitality Room prior to the assembly.
Contact: Angie Smith, 503-785-8545

Pendleton
Nov. 11 - 9 a.m. – Veterans Memorial ceremony at the Pioneer Chapel, 2nd and Byers St. 11 a.m. – Avenue of Flags at Olney Cemetery, 865 Tutawilla Rd.
Contact: Gary Ward, 541-276-0308

Prineville
Nov. 10 - 7 p.m. – The Crook County High School drama department is having a Veteran’s Celebration in the auditorium, 1100 S.E. Lynn Blvd.
Contact: Donny Jackson, 541-416-6900 Ext. 3135

Portland
Nov. 7 - 3 p.m. – Tribute to Veterans: 50th Anniversary of Portland’s Memorial Coliseum. Honoring/recognizing two WWII veterans: 90 year-old Tuskegee Airman and author Alex Jefferson, and former U.S. Marine, Leo Champagne, the last living “first flag-raiser” on Iwo Jima. Featuring “America's Got Talent” Army Medic Scott Anderson (OEF-OIF) the Magician and 500 local high choirs. Sponsored by: Remembering America’s Heroes, Dark Wing Productions, City of Portland and the Portland Trailblazers. Admission and parking are free. Call: Ken Buckles, 503-351-2632
Nov. 8 - 12 p.m. – Veterans Convoy will travel on I-205 to honor all veterans along the highway named in their honor. The convoy forms at the Clark County Fairgrounds in Vancouver, Wash. Gates open at 8 a.m. New toy donations for children of deployed veterans accepted. Entry applications on-line: www.veteransoforegon.com
Contact: Veterans of Oregon, 503-622-6084
Nov. 11 - 9:45 a.m. – The 36th Annual Hollywood District Veterans Day Parade will travel between N.E. 40th and 48th Ave. and Sandy Blvd. The parade concludes with a ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Flag Pole, N.E. 48th and Sandy Blvd. Covered seating will be available for seniors and those with disabilities. Contact: Sara Van Houten, 503-422-7141

Redmond
Nov. 11 - 11 a.m. – The annual parade will be downtown. All veterans and their families are invited to a Chili Feed following the parade at VFW Post 4108, 1636 S.W. Veterans Way. The event is co-sponsored by Post 4108, American Legion Post 44, and the Redmond Chamber of Commerce.
Contact: Jeff Casserly, VFW Post 4108, 541-550-6656

Roseburg
Nov. 11 - 11 a.m. – Douglas County Veterans Day Parade, downtown. The parade theme: “Conserving the Lifeblood of our Warriors.” Contact: Rick Sciapiti, 541-440-4219

Salem
Nov. 11 - 7 to 11 a.m. – Free breakfast presented by Salem Capital American Legion Post 9, All Veterans, Military, Fire and Police and their families are invited, 2771 Pence Loop (Eagles Bldg.). Contact: Jack LaBox, 503-569-4649
11:30 a.m. – Veterans Day celebration program will begin and lunch will immediately follow.
Contact: Salem Senior Center, 503-588-6303
3 p.m. – A ceremony will be held at the Afghan-Iraqi Freedom Memorial, on the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs grounds, 700 Summer St. N.E. Names of four Oregonians recently killed while serving in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom will be unveiled.
Contact: Robin Steckley, 503-373-2390
Nov. 13 - 7 p.m. and Nov. 14 - 3 p.m. – The Willamette Master Chorus will perform two Veterans Day weekend events titled: Honoring our Veterans. An orchestra and chorus will perform patriotic songs and service hymns in the Smith Auditorium at Willamette University. General admission: Adults $15; Seniors $12. All veterans and active military personnel, $8. For more information, or to buy tickets, visit www.WillametteMasterChorus.org.
Contact: Weathers Music, 503-362-8708.

Sandy
Nov. 11 - 11 a.m. – Ceremonial tribute with Patriotic music hosted by VFW Post 4273 and Auxiliary at the Sandy Veterans Memorial Statue, intersection of Highways 26 and 211.
12 p.m. – Community potluck at VFW Post 4273, 38452 Proctor Blvd. Contact: Bert Key, 503-668-8418

The Dalles
Nov. 11 - 11 a.m. – Mid-Columbia parade begins at the National Guard Armory, 713 Webber St. It will proceed downtown and return to the Armory.
1 p.m. - VFW Post 2471 Auxiliary will host a potluck dinner and patriotic program at the National Guard Armory. The public is invited to attend.
Contacts: Les Cochenour, 541-298-5692, or Gary Pratt, 509-767-1461

Tigard
Nov. 11 - 12 p.m. – Annual Hobo Stew luncheon for American Legion Post 158 members and guests will be held at Post 158, 8635 S.W. Scoffins St.
Contact: Mark Pedersen, 503-624-2332

Tillamook
Nov. 11 - 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Tillamook Air Museum volunteers will serve a traditional S.O.S. Breakfast at the museum’s Air Base Cafe, located on Hwy. 101, south of Tillamook.
9:30 a. m. to 11 a.m. – The Museum and local VFW Posts, will host the 13th annual Veterans Appreciation Day and Open House to honor and thank veterans. A flyover has been requested. Free admission for all veterans.
11:30 a.m. – Presentations of the Oregon’s Honorable Service Medal to veterans.
Contact: Michelle, Tillamook Air Museum, 503-842-1130

White City
Nov. 11 - 10 a.m. – Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center and Clinics, 8495 Crater Lake Hwy., will host a ceremony in the theater. The public is invited. A fly-over has been requested.
Contact: Tom Marshall, 541-830-7468

Wilsonville
Nov. 11 - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Korean War Veterans Association Oregon Trail Chapter will be on site, at the Korean War Memorial, to answer questions and be of service during daylight hours. A flag ceremony and playing of Taps will be played at 11 a.m. The Memorial is located off Interstate 5 at exit 283, about 10 miles south of Portland. Follow the signs to Town Center Park.
Contact: James Arling, 503-285-8118