The Oregon National Guard gathered in Salem and Gresham on September 11 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of 2001. Service members, chaplains, local leaders and families came together to honor the victims, first responders and the military families whose lives were forever changed.
Salem ceremony
At the state capital, Brig. Gen. David N. Unruh, Air Component Commander for the Oregon National Guard, opened the ceremony by recalling the loss of life in New York City, at the Pentagon and in rural Pennsylvania, where passengers on Flight 93 fought back against hijackers. “We couldn’t just let today go by unmarked like any other,” Unruh said. “Remembrance helps us make meaning of our own lives.” He praised the bravery shown on that day and in the wars that followed, noting that “the stories of heroism, from the first responders to ordinary Americans who simply pitched in to help where they could, are profoundly inspiring.”
State Chaplain (Col.) Jacob Scott delivered the invocation, asking for comfort, shelter and protection. He urged attendees to follow the example of first responders by taking action to support those in need. “Put one foot in front of another and take the next step,” Scott said. “Climb the stairs. Do what it takes to serve those in need.” He emphasized that serving others directly honors those who died, adding, “If we do what’s right, we’ll honor those who died on 9/11 and the heroes who went before us.”
Oregon Army National Guard assistant adjutant general Russell Gibson also spoke, and the ceremony included a moment of silence, a performance of “God Bless America” by the Guard’s 234th Army Band, and the sounding of “TAPS.”
Gresham ceremony
In Gresham, the “9/11 Honor and Remember Gold Star Families’ Memorial” was hosted at Microchip Technologies. The event featured a display of 300 Honor and Remember flags and a rendition of “TAPS” performed by Army National Guard Sgt. Scott Steele. Chaplain (Capt.) Wes Moldogo offered the opening prayer, highlighting how the attacks reshaped the nation and deeply affected military families. “Especially for our Gold Star families: the parents, spouses, children, siblings and loved ones that carry both the profound pride and the enduring sorrow,” he said.
Retired Gresham Fire Department chief and former state representative Greg Matthews served as master of ceremonies. He introduced Oregon Air National Guard Col. Ryan Barton, deputy commander of the Oregon Joint Domestic Operations Command. Barton explained that his office oversees the planning and execution of programs that ready the Guard for federal or state emergencies and natural disasters. He noted the shared commitment between military members and emergency personnel during crises. “With many people trying to escape the danger that morning, it was firefighters, police officers, paramedics and other first responders who were already moving toward the danger,” Barton said. “September 11 showed the very best of that shared commitment and the courage in the face of uncertainty.”
The dual ceremonies underscored the Guard’s ongoing dedication to service, both at home and abroad, and reminded the community that the values of sacrifice, faith and family remain central to Oregon’s response to tragedy.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
