Salem – More than 100 people gathered outside the Oregon State Capitol on Wednesday for the state’s official Veterans Day ceremony, a community event that honored both past and present service members.
According to IJPR, the hour‑long program included remarks from Governor Tina Kotek, officials from the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and the assistant adjutant general for the Oregon National Guard, Russell Gibson. The governor, whose father served in the Korean War, spoke about the sacrifices of service members and their families, emphasizing that “to all veterans, no matter where you served, welcome home.”
The ceremony featured a military flyover by two F‑15 fighter jets, a ceremonial wreath‑laying by Governor Kotek and Department of Veterans’ Affairs director Nakeia Council Daniels, and a bagpiper who closed with “Amazing Grace.” Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps members from a nearby high school posted the flag, and a national anthem was performed.
Among the attendees was an 88‑year‑old Salem resident, DJ Wheeler, who arrived in a Navy dress‑blue uniform that he said is “55 years old and it still fits.” Wheeler, a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars, recalled delivering supplies to fellow soldiers and described his service as “my life and I loved it.”
The event also highlighted the ongoing challenges veterans face after service. National Guard chaplain Col. Jacob Scott referenced the story of Amber Levy, whose husband, Army veteran Jason Levy, died by suicide while struggling with post‑traumatic stress disorder. Scott called Levy’s story “a reminder that the sacrifices of our veterans do not always end when they return home.”
Weather was unusually balmy for early November, with temperatures in the 60s and wispy clouds over the Capitol, a detail noted by both IJPR and the Salem Reporter. The pleasant conditions allowed many attendees to fill the seats on the Capitol Mall and line the cement stairs and sidewalks surrounding the stage.
The ceremony was organized by the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs, according to the Salem Reporter, which described the event as heavily attended and featuring a military flyover, wreath‑laying, the national anthem and several speakers.
What’s next: The Department of Veterans’ Affairs will continue its outreach program throughout the holiday season, and Governor Kotek has indicated plans to host additional community events honoring veterans later this year.
Sources: ijpr.org, salemreporter.com
