The Oregon National Guard took part in several Memorial Day events across Oregon on Monday, honoring the service members who died for their country.
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, U.S. Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, Beaverton Mayor Lacey Beaty, and Oregon Air National Guard Colonel Todd Hofford, the 142nd Wing Commander attended the American Legion Post 124 event in Beaverton at Veteran’s Memorial Park.
“My father served our country in Korea in the Army, his service shaped my admiration and respect for those who serve and their families who stand by them,” said Gov. Kotek. “Today across our great state, across our great nation, people are gathering in remembrance of loved ones who where lost and honoring the bravery of our fallen service members.”
“Every time – I was caught-up by these life stories of young Oregonians, who went into the bigger world for their country, and never to come back. They are Oregon – and I will not forget their stories,” Kotek added.
In a ceremony at Willamette National Cemetery in Clackamas, Oregon Senator Ron Wyden spoke. “Americans always get it rightafter they’ve tried everything else,” a quote attributed to Winston Churchill during WWII. A Joint Service Honor Guard and other Oregon Soldiers and Airmen joined the Senator at the cemetery.
In Medford, the Oregon Army National Guard conducted a flag folding ceremony for a family member of a fallen service member. The event was held at the Memory Gardens Memorial Park.
The Oregon Air National Guard’s 142nd Wing and 173rd Fighter Wing flew patriotic flyovers at ceremonies and parades in over a dozen towns and cities.