Oregon Honors Veterans With Events Throughout The State

Veterans Day is a national tribute that traces its roots to World War I.

Image courtesy: ODVA

(SALEM, Ore. ) - Oregon communities, towns and cities are planning special events, parades or other gatherings to honor military veterans on Veterans Day, November 11th.

The Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs has compiled a statewide list of the events that the Department is aware of and, that are scheduled on or near November 11.

Veterans Day is a national tribute that traces its roots to World War I. In 1918, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the guns fell silent in Europe. The armistice was signed signaling the end of "the war to end all wars." One year later, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the day as Armistice Day. The tradition of observing November 11 continued and since 1954, that date has been set aside as Veterans Day.

Jim Willis, Director of the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs, said this is a day to honor and remember the men and women who served so gallantly to maintain America's freedom.

"Our veterans represent the best of America, and they deserve the best we can give them. These men and women have pledged their lives to protect our Nation's security creating a debt that we can never fully repay," Willis said.

Events in Oregon vary from the annual Albany Veterans Day parade on November 10th, the largest parade west of the Mississippi River, to other parades and events scheduled on various dates in cities throughout the state.

2007 Veterans Day Events Around Oregon

Albany

• Nov. 10 - 10 a.m. 88th annual Veterans Day Parade. Theme: Veterans Give Us Freedom. The Patriot Guard Riders from across the state will lead the parade. Military flyovers have been requested. Contact: Pat Moritz, 503-348-6095
• 10 a.m. Memorial Service at Eleanor Hackleman Park located at 654 Pine Street.
• 3:30 p.m. Linn County Veterans Memorial dedication at Timber Linn Park, located at 900 Price Road S.E. Contact: Bob Gore, 541-967-6936, or bobgore47@comcast.net.
• 7 p.m. Veterans of the Year Banquet recognizes veterans who have been nominated by various organizations. The public is welcome, by reservation only, to a Prime Rib dinner at the Linn-Benton Community College Center Commons Room. Cost: $20 each. Guest speaker: TBA. To make a reservation call 541-981-2390.

Astoria

• Nov. 11 - 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. American Legion Post 12 will serve a free breakfast, lunch, and dinner to veterans and their spouses. Donations are welcome. There will be multiple raffles during the day and live music beginning at 7 p.m. Post 12 is located at 1132 Exchange Street.
• 1 p.m. Awards Program. Contact: Betsy at Post 12, 503-325-5771

Beaverton

• Nov. 12 - 11 a.m. A ceremony will be held at Memorial Park, between the southwest corner of Watson and Hall Streets. Guest speakers: Col. Steve Gregg and Col. (Ret.) Bob Elliott. The Southridge High School Choir will perform. Contact: Marvin Doty, American Legion Post 124, 503-644-0350

Bend

• Nov. 10 - 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.Bend Parade of Flags Group will display 170 American Flags that were flown over the U.S. Capitol, along the parade route downtown. Installed by the Central Oregon Chapter, Military Officers Association of America and the Boy Scouts of America Troop 25. Army veteran Dick Tobiason, Chairman of the Bend Parade of Flags program and Bend Heroes Memorial Committee is the master of ceremonies for the dedication ceremony and will be assisted by WWII veteran and Medal of Honor recipient Robert D. Maxwell. Contact: Dick Tobiason, 541-388-5591
• 9 a.m. Veterans Day/Marine Corps Birthday Run - 5K run/1 mile walk in downtown Bend. The race fee will be $20 with shirt, $12, no shirt. After Nov. 1, prices increase to $21 and $15 respectively. There will also be raffle prizes. Money goes to purchasing a DAV shuttle van. Contact: Eric Chandler, 541-383-8061 or chandler@bendbroadband.com.
• 11 a.m. The Bend Veterans Day parade has become one of the largest in Oregon and honors Persian Gulf War Veterans this year. The theme of the parade is V for Victory. Following the parade a ceremony will be held to dedicate the new Veterans Memorial Bridge, Randy Lee Newman Memorial Walkway, and expanded Bend Parade of Flags display on the Veterans Memorial Bridge. An F-15 flyover has been requested. Contact: Mike Ward, 541-330-4677, or Bill Dolf, 541-389-8487
• 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. VFW Post 1643 Open House. VA Medical Center personnel from Portland will be available to enroll veterans in the My-health-e-Vet plan and possibly general medical enrollment in the VA HEALTH PLAN.
• 5:30 p.m. Marine Corps Birthday Ball at the Bend Golf and Country Club. Social hour at 5:30 p.m. Dinner at 6:30 p.m. Located at 61045 Country Club Drive. Contact: Suzie at Bend Golf and Country Club, 541-388-2604
• Nov. 11 - 7 p.m. The Tower Theatre, located at 835 N.W. Wall St., and Jubilee Productions presents Department of Defense Entertainers, the Dina Preston Band USO Tour: "Until Everyone Comes Home!" It is a benefit for Disabled American Veterans Chapter 14 and Caring for Troops. Tickets are $25, $37, $50. Contact: 541-317-0700 or www.towertheater.org
• Nov. 17 - Veterans’ annual chili cook-off challenge VFW Post 1643, 1503 NE Fourth. Contact: 541-382-1948

Canyonville

• Nov. 11 - 11 a.m. Veterans’ Remembrance Ceremony at City Hall. Guest speakers: State Rep. Susan Morgan and Sue Shaffer, Chairperson of the Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua Indians, and Bill Markham. Colors to be presented by the Sea Cadets Jacksonville, refreshments by Seven Feathers Resort and Casino. Contact: Chuck Spindel, Mayor, 541-839-4258

Corbett

• Nov. 10 8 to 11 a.m. Veterans Recognition/ Appreciation Breakfast. Corbett High School, 35800 E. Historic Columbia River Highway. Sponsored by the Columbia River Gorge Kiwanis Club. Veterans eat free, others are $5 each. Veterans have a chance to share their experiences. Contact: Byron S. Willis, byronsci@aol.com

Corvallis

• Nov. 9 - 2 p.m. On the Oregon State University campus, at the Memorial Union steps, the names of Oregon servicemembers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan will be read. A 24-hour candlelight vigil begins at 12 p.m. on Nov. 10. Contact: Shelly Houghtaling, 541-737-0724
• Nov. 11 3 to 5 p.m. Community Veterans Day Program, Corvallis High School Auditorium, 1400 NW Buchanan St. No charge for the event. Contact: Brice Cloyd, cloydb@onid.orst.edu

Eagle Point

• Nov. 11 - 10 a.m. The Eagle Point Veterans Day Parade is sponsored by the Jackson County Veterans Allied Council. Entries will include Color Guards, floats, marching units, Eagle Point High School Band, youth groups, horse groups and military colors.
• Nov. 17 - 2 p.m. A Memorial service for Dale Albee will be held in the Medford Veterans Park at Pacific Hwy and Stewart Street next to the National Guard Armory. A memorial is to be dedicated in his honor. Dale was a dedicated veteran’s advocate, a former member of the Governor’s Advisory Committee and served on the Jackson County Veterans Allied Council.

Elkton

• Nov. 7 - 1 p.m. Elkton High School will honor veterans in the school gymnasium. Contact: 541-584-2115 ext. 303

Florence

• Nov. 11 - 1 p.m. Florence Veterans Parade. Staging at noon in the Port of Siuslaw parking lot. Parade will exit Port and travel on Oak, 2nd, Laurel and Bay Streets before terminating back at the Port. Branch of service flags will be offered for sale for those who wish to display them during the parade. Contact: Cal Applebee, 541-997-8417

Forest Grove

• Nov. 9 - 10:30 a.m. An annual commemorative assembly will be held at Forest Grove High School’s gymnasium to honor local area veterans. All veterans and their families are invited. Contact: Bob Wismer, Forest Grove High School, 503-359-8137, ext. 329
• Nov. 11 - 11:45 a.m. American Legion Post 2 and Elks Lodge 2440, located at 2610 Pacific Avenue, will co-host ceremonies, entertainment and a free dinner for veterans, current armed forces personnel and their families. The dinner begins at 1 p.m. Contact: American Legion Post 2, 503-357-3660 or Elks Lodge 2440, 503-357-2440

Grants Pass

• Nov. 9 - 1 p.m. A student assembly, Celebrating Veterans in our Country, will feature patriotic music and presentations at the Riverside Elementary School gymnasium located at 1200 S.E. Harvey Drive. All veterans will be honored with student-read poems, essays, and a special choral presentation by 4th and 5th graders. Posting of the Colors by the Boys Scouts of America. Taps will be played as well as a National Anthem soloist. A moment of silence will also be observed. Veterans are encouraged to stay for refreshments and to view a memorabilia display. Honorary seating for veterans will be available. Veterans are encouraged to wear uniforms and/or awards and ribbons. Contact: Marianne, 541-474-5780, ext. 137

Hillsboro

• Nov. 11 - 11 a.m. VFW Post 2666 will hold a Veterans Day program at Fir Lawn Cemetery located at 1070 S.W. Main Street. Eric Russell, a U.S. Marine who has recently returned from Iraq will be the guest speaker. Refreshments will be offered. Contact: George Anderson, 971-404-7905

Hood River

• Nov. 11 8 to 11 a.m. American Legion Post 22 and Auxiliary will sponsor a breakfast at the Elks Lodge, located at 304 Cascade Avenue.
• 11 a.m. Ceremony at Oregon National Guard Armory on 12th Street. Contact: Patrick Scranton, 541-386-1080

Klamath Falls

• Nov. 10-11 VFW Post 1383 will present an Avenue of Flags at Klamath Veterans Memorial Park, at the intersection of Main Street and Highway 97 South.
• 11 a.m. Veterans Day Parade at Main and Spring Streets, ending at Veterans Memorial Park with a ceremony to follow. Ceremony includes dedication of a new veterans memorial in the park, placing of wreaths for each military era. A military flyover has been requested. The ceremony will be followed by the activities listed below:
  • Stew Lunch at American Legion Post 8, 228 N. 8th Street, 541-882-0475
  • Marine Corps League Spaghetti Feed, 1019 Main Street, 541-882-1775
  • VFW Chili Feed, 515 Klamath Avenue, 541-882-0057 Contact: Joe Collins, 541-884-0074

La Grande

• Nov. 11 - 11 a.m. American Legion Post 43 Veterans Parade along Adams Avenue. A spaghetti feed will be held following the parade at the Post 43 Legion Hall, located at 301 Fir Street. Cost: Free to Post members and $3.50 for non-members. Contact: John Marsh, 541-963-5141

La Pine

• Nov. 11 - 11 a.m. Veterans Day Ceremony at the La Pine Community Cemetery. Following the ceremony, there will be an open house at the American Legion Post 45, located at 52532 Drafter Road. Contact: Pat Cotton, 541-536-1402

Lebanon

• Nov. 8 - 6 p.m. A special program to showcase and honor our local heroes, Heroes of America, honors all veterans from the past, present, and future. The program will be held in the cafeteria of Pioneer School, at 500 N. 5th St., and is expected to last until approximately 7:30 p.m. All local veterans and their families are invited to attend. Please RVSP if you plan to attend. Contact: Mrs. Cairo at 541-451-8487 ext. 1217.

Lincoln City

• Nov. 11 - 6:30 to 9 p.m. The public is invited to a free Veterans Day concert in the showroom at the Chinook Winds Casino. Guest speaker: TBA. A Color Guard will post the Colors. A band will perform and the event will close with the playing of Taps. The Casino is located at 1777 N.W. 44th Street. Contact: Heather Hatton, 1-888-244-6665

McMinnville

• The Evergreen Aviation Museum, located at 500 N.E. Captain Michael King Smith Way, will be providing these events:
• November 6 -13 Military uniform display spanning 50 years of American military history.
• Nov. 10 - 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Book signing Event: Tom Wiggins, author of 100 Days in The Ghan Airborne Army Ranger experiences in Afghanistan.
• 1-4 p.m. Veteran’s Legacy Preservation Project near the bookstore.
• 1 p.m. Screening of American Legacy (WWI) EASM Theater free with Museum admission
• 3 p.m. Screening of Silent Wings (WWII) 112 minutes Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum (EASM) Theater free with Museum admission.
• 7 p.m. Screening of Gary Mortensen’s documentary Iraq: This is War in the IMAX Theater. Special pricing of $5 per person (parental discretion advised).
• Nov. 11 - 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Book signing Event at the Evergreen Aviation Museum bookstore: Tom Wiggins, author of 100 Days in The Ghan Airborne Army Ranger experiences in Afghanistan.
• 11 a.m. Veterans Day Ceremony - inside museum.
• 1 p.m. Screening of American Legacy (WW I) EASM Theater free with museum admission
• 3 p.m. Screening of Silent Wings (WW II) 112 minutes EASM Theater free with museum admission.
• 6 p.m. Screening of Gary Mortensen’s documentary Iraq: This is War in the IMAX Theater. Special price of $5 per person. Contact: Nicole Wahlberg, 503-434-4006; Website: Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum

Medford

• Nov. 12 - 11 a.m. Medford Veterans Memorial Park Ceremony and Parade, sponsored by Jackson County Veterans Allied Council. The event will take place on Main Street from Hawthorne to Oakdale with staging at 10 a.m. along Hawthorne Street. Come and participate or watch and honor those who have served our fine nation. Contact: Tim Garr, 541-326-5033, or at MedfordVeterans@yahoo.com Website: www.leaguelineup.com/medfordveterans

Merlin

• Nov. 12 - 11 a.m. The Merlin Community Park Board and the VFW will host a Veterans Day event at the Josephine County Veterans Walk of Honor located in Merlin Community Park. There will be a reading of names, laying of wreaths and a flag retirement ceremony by a Boy Scout troop. Contact: Dick Smith, 541-471-9446

Milwaukie

• Nov. 5 - 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Milwaukie High School will host their 12th Annual Living History Days. American military veterans will be sharing their stories with students in classrooms. All veterans from any era are invited to attend. Lunch will be provided and followed by a recreated USO Show to honor all veterans. The school is located at 11300 S.E. 23rd Avenue. Vietnam-era veterans will be recognized during the event.
• Nov. 11 - 12 p.m. Open House at American Legion Post 180, located at 2146 S.E. Monroe Street. All day - Free potluck for all veterans and their families will be hosted at Post 180 with food provided by the post and auxiliary.
• 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Live music provided by Portland American Legion Post 185. All veterans and their families are welcome. Contact: Dee Sharpes, 503-557-7125

North Bend

• Nov. 11 - 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. American Legion Bay Area Post 34, located at 1421 Airport Way, will host the annual breakfast. Cost: $5 and $2.50 for children. The ceremony will commemorate the history of Veterans Day and will begin at 11 a.m. A military guest speaker will be announced. There will be a free dinner for all veterans and their spouses put on by the local Eagles Lodge. Dinner is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Contact: John Martin, 541-756-5314

Ontario

• Nov. 10 - 1 p.m. (MST) 6th Annual American Legion Post 67 Veterans Day Parade. The parade forms on Alameda and 4th Street and concludes at the train depot. Governor Ted Kulongoski will be in the parade as well as the keynote speaker immediately following the parade at the depot’s 100-year dedication.
• Nov. 11 - 11 a.m. (MST) Veterans Day services at Evergreen Cemetery at the American Legion Memorial. Contact: Steve Furrow, 541-881-1389, or Bill Thomson, 541-889-6649

Oregon City

• Nov. 6 - 9 a.m. Oregon City High School will host the 2nd Annual Veterans Assembly. A hospitality room will be set up for all honored guests from 8 to 9 a.m. in the auxiliary gymnasium, 19761 S. Beavercreek Road. Share stories from your past. Ample parking and assistance will be available. Contact: Angie Smith, 503-785-8545.

Portland

• Nov. 11 - 9:45 a.m. 33rd Annual Veterans Day Parade. Hollywood District between N.E. 40th and 48th Ave. and Sandy Blvd. The parade includes veterans groups, community groups, and representatives from all military service organizations and local high school bands. The parade will conclude with a ceremony at Ross Hollywood Chapel Veterans Memorial Flag Pole. War memorabilia will be available for viewing. Covered seating for seniors and those with disabilities will be available. Contact: Lynn Spreeman, 503-281-1800

Prineville

• Nov. 9 - 1 p.m. Veterans are asked to attend and speak with students in their classrooms at Crook County High School, located at 1100 S.E. Lynn Blvd.
• Nov. 9 - 7 p.m. A Salute to Veterans presentation in the high school Commons during school hours. A public ceremony will include Oregon Army National Guard static displays, information booths, brief comments from local officials and a rifle light show from the Crook County Navy Junior ROTC.
• Nov. 10 - 11 a.m. Veterans Day Parade sponsored by VFW Post 1412 will start behind the Crook County Courthouse, 300 N.E. 3rd Street, and continue to the POW/MIA Memorial in Ochoco Creek Park.
• Nov. 11 - 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The American Legion and Auxiliary will prepare and serve a traditional ham dinner to all veterans and their families at the Veterans’ Club, 405 N. Main Street. No charge for the dinner; donations will be accepted. Contact: Donny, donny.jackson@crookcounty.k12.or.us

Redmond

• Nov. 11 - 11 a.m. Veterans Day Parade in downtown Redmond. A Chili Feed will follow the parade at the VFW Post 4108, located at 1636 S.W. Veterans’ Way. The event is co-sponsored by Post 4108, American Legion Post 44, and the Redmond Chamber of Commerce. All veterans and their families are invited. Contact: Lon Parker, VFW Post 4108, 541-548-1553

Roseburg

• Nov. 10 - 7 p.m. Douglas High School Music Program presenting Americana, a musical tribute to Douglas County veterans at Umpqua Community College, Jacoby Auditorium. Tickets: $5 per person advanced; $7 at the door.
• Nov. 12 - 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. A pancake breakfast will be served at American Legion Post 45, located at 406 S.E. Oak Avenue.
• 11 a.m. Douglas County Veterans Day Parade one of the largest in Oregon. This year’s theme: Honor, Respect, Remember. Grand Marshals for this year’s parade are women veterans. Contact: Mary Newman or Michele Nelson, 541-440-4219

Salem

• Nov. 8 - 10:30 a.m. Salem Senior Center joins with the Coalition of Troop Support in creating care packages to send to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Military memorabilia will be displayed all week. The community is encouraged to donate comfort items. Contact: Holli Crown, Salem Senior Center, 503-588-6303
• Nov. 9 - 11:30 a.m. The Salem Senior Center, located at the corner of Capitol and Erixon St. N.E., will host a veterans ceremony. Guest speaker: TBA. The Greater Salem Area Veterans organization (GSAVO) will post the Colors. A live band will perform music from various eras. A noon meal will be provided. Cost: $5 per person. Contact: Holli Crown, Salem Senior Center, 503-588-6303
• 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. American Legion Post 9 is hosting a free breakfast for veterans and their families, at the Eagles Lodge, 2771 Pence Loop SE. (Priority service will be given to on-duty law enforcement officers, emergency medical crews and firefighters.) Contact: Earl Pepper, 503-364-0261 2 p.m. Salem Towne Community will honor all current and past members of the armed forces, especially those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. The Center is located at 2900 Oakcrest Drive, N.W., off Wallace Road. Contact: Sgt. Major Howard Palmer, 503-581-1256
• Nov. 10 - 7 p.m., also on Nov. 11 - 3 p.m. The Willamette Master Chorus is pleased to announce two Veterans Day weekend events titled: Music For Americans By Americans. Special guest will be the legendary composer/arranger Alice Parker. Where: Hudson Hall in the Mary Stuart Rogers Music Center at Willamette University. Tickets may also be purchased at the door if available. General admission is $15 for Adults and $12 for Students & Seniors. All veterans and active military personnel will be admitted for a reduced ticket price of $8. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Willamette Master Chorus Contact: Weathers Music 2825 Commercial Street S.E. 503-362-8708
• Nov. 11 - 2 p.m. A Veterans Day ceremony will be held at the Afghan-Iraqi Freedom Memorial located on the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs grounds at 700 Summer Street N.E. Contact: Robin Steckley, 503-373-2386

Sandy

• Nov. 11 - 11 a.m. Ceremonial tribute hosted by VFW Post 4273 and Auxiliary at the Sandy Veterans Memorial Statue located at Highway 26 and State Highway 211. Patriotic music will be played. The Post 4273 Color Guard and Rifle Team will participate.
• 12 p.m. Community potluck at VFW Post 4273, located at 38452 Proctor Blvd. Contact: Bert Key, 503-668-8418

Scappoose

• Nov. 11 - 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. VFW Post 4362 is sponsoring a Veterans Day service at the VFW Memorial located in Heritage Park. Keynote speaker: TBA. Contact: Ron Urban, 503-543-7482

Springfield

• Nov. 11 - 1 p.m. The Lane County Veterans Day Parade Association will host the 7th Annual Veterans Day Parade. Staging will be at the corner of Mohawk and Centennial. Grand Marshal is Jim Petralba, veteran of WWII, Korea and Vietnam. Parade theme: Honoring ALL veterans Contact: Dan Rupe, 541-520-2307, Website: www.vetsdayparade.org

Stayton

• Nov. 6 - 7 p.m. Stayton High School will hold its Veterans Day Celebration in the main gymnasium.

The Dalles

• Nov. 10 - 11 a.m. Mid-Columbia Veterans Day Parade begins at the National Guard Armory, located at 713 Webber Street, and will proceed downtown, and return to the armory.
• 1 p.m. - VFW Auxiliary will host a potluck dinner and program at the National Guard Armory. Public is invited to attend. Contacts: Olivia Hall, Pres., Post 2471 Auxiliary, 541-298- 5670, Lester D. Cochenour, 541-298-5692

Tigard

• Nov. 11 - 12 p.m. Annual Hobo Stew luncheon for American Legion Post members and guests will be held at American Legion Post 158, 8635 S.W. Scoffins Street in Tigard. Contact: 503-624-2332 or 1-877-895-6277

Tillamook

• Nov. 11 - 8 to 11 a.m. The Air Museum along with local VFW Posts will host the 11th annual Veterans Appreciation Day to honor and thank our local Veterans with an Open House for the Tillamook community.
• 8 a.m. Volunteers at the Tillamook Air Museum will serve a traditional S.O.S. Breakfast in the Air Base Cafe.
• 9:45 a .m. to 12 p.m. Ceremony participants include: Flyover by the Oregon Air National Guard, between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m.; Color Guard (U.S. Coast Guard and local VFW); Speakers; Singers; USAF Civil Air Patrol; Tillamook Community Band; and the Clan Macleay Pipe Band. The public is invited with free admission for all veterans. Contact: Tillamook Air Museum, 503-842-1130

White City

• Nov. 11 - 10 a.m. Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center and Clinics, located at 8495 Crater Lake Highway, will host a ceremony in the theater. Guest speaker: Colonel David G. Dotterrer, USMC (Ret). Patriotic Tribute by USAF Golden West Travis Band Quintet. Colors will be presented and retired by the Young Marines of Camp White. TAPS will be presented by Echo Taps volunteer, Kyle Roe. Contact: Rhonda Haney, 541-830-7585

Wilsonville

• Nov. 11 and 12 - 10 a.m. to 4 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. 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