Model battleships, commemorative speeches to highlight Tualatin Memorial Day observance

In honor of Memorial Day next week, Tualatin is hosting an observance featuring flight, float and solemn honors to mark the occasion.

Among the local groups hosting a Memorial Day observance on Monday, May 27, will be the Tualatin Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3452. The observance, which begins at 10:45 a.m., will be held at on the west side of Tualatin Lake of the Commons.

Events include a Missing Man Flyover performed by the West Coast Ravens, a group of pilots who fly RV airplanes, and singing by the Tualatin High School Crimsonnaires, a choral group.

Mayor Frank Bubenik will deliver remarks, with featured speakers to include Dave Perez, who is a representative from U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas’ office, and Ree Armitage, a representative from U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden’s office. Lt. Col. Matthew Krempel, an active-duty member of the U.S. Marine Corps, will speak as well.

The VFW’s honored veteran this year is John Knippers, a Vietnam veteran who currently serves as the VFW Post 3452 senior vice commander.

The event will be preceded by a floating display on the lake sponsored by the Portland Model Power Boat Association. It will showcase some of their watercraft replicas of battleships, some of which are more than 6 feet long.

The observance will be followed by a free community picnic at the Tualatin Community Park, which will be hosted by the VFW Auxiliary.