Where to honor and celebrate our Veterans in Oregon
Governor Kate Brown would like to thank all Oregon Veterans for their service, and thank all those hosting events to commemorate our Veterans. Documenting and celebrating the achievements and unique strength of our Oregon veteran community is very important to Governor Kate Brown — especially during these unprecedented times.
As the daughter of an Air Force veteran, Governor Kate Brown was raised with a tremendous respect and admiration for the people who serve and protect our nation.
Veterans Day is a day to honor the brave people who committed to service in the military – a brave and selfless act.
The contract that our nation’s veterans signed came with few guarantees. Veterans do not know where they will be assigned; whether or where they might deploy; when — or if — they will return home safely.
In return, our veterans were sent into some of the most difficult and dangerous situations the world has ever known. Veterans faced extreme conditions, hostile enemies, and some carry permanent reminders of the demands of their military service. Some made the ultimate sacrifice: their lives.
And yet, many of these heroes walk among us every day. Veterans are leaders in our communities, our workplaces, our civic organizations and churches. Throughout the past two years, our Veterans have continued to provide critical services to keep our communities healthy and thriving while the state weathers this pandemic.
Veterans are health care workers on the front lines of the pandemic. Veterans are grocery clerks and store managers and truck drivers getting you the supplies you need. Veterans are scientists and lab technicians making ground-breaking discoveries. Veterans are firefighters and first responders protecting lives and property during the most devastating and dangerous wildfires our state has ever seen.
To our veterans, thank you. Your selfless service has given us a debt we can never repay, but we must try every day —not just on Veterans’ Day.
And to all Oregonians, thank you for honoring and remembering our veterans today, and everyday.
Here are some events around Oregon that you can attend for Veterans Day celebrations
ODVA Statewide Veterans Day Celebration
Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at 2:00 PM PST
Public · Hosted by Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Outside State Capitol Building (Salem)
The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) will honor all veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces during the 2021 Statewide Veterans Day Celebration — which will return to an outdoor and in-person format this year, within public health guidelines.
The event will feature remarks by federal, state and local dignitaries and ceremonial elements such as a color guard, national anthem, wreath presentation and the playing of “Taps.”
While the celebration will honor Oregon veterans of all eras, there will be a special focus on the contributions of Vietnam War-era veterans. The event will be followed by an optional walking tour of the site of the future Oregon Vietnam War Memorial, led by Vietnam War Memorial Fund President Steve Bates.
The event is open to the public and limited seating will be provided for attendees. Accessible pathways and seating areas for those needing accommodations will also be provided. Attendees are reminded to wear a mask, maintain social distancing, and plan accordingly for Oregon weather.
For those unable to attend, the event will also be live streamed on ODVA’s Facebook page.
Veterans Day Parade
Thu, Nov 11, 11 AM – 12 PM
The Dalles
The parade lineup starts at West Sixth and Webber streets, then rolls downtown before disbanding at The Dalles Chamber.
Veterans Day is a special day held on the anniversary of the end of World War I to honor US veterans and victims of all wars. The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a parade to honor local veterans. We want to show our appreciation to those who have fought for our freedoms and liberties. We encourage the community to get involved to show their support for our local heroes.
There is a $15 fee for all entries. $5 from every entry will be donated to the Mid Columbia Veterans Memorial Committee to support local veterans.
You can fill out the parade application online or pick up a copy at The Dalles Chamber 404 West 2nd Street. Please return parade applications by Wednesday, November 3rd, 2021 @ 4:00 pm.
Contact: 541-296-2231 or Events@TheDallesChamber.com.
Albany Veterans Day Parade
November 11, 2021 @ 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Albany, Oregon
This year’s reverse Parade will include veterans and floats hosted by sponsors at sites around the city. Participants will use a map — either a hard copy or online version — to find the various locations. To add to the fun, special objects will be placed at some of the stops. Find them all and be entered in a raffle for prizes! Participants can also vote for their favorite float, either online or in person. For more information visit Albany Veterans Day 2021. Photo of Linn County Veterans Memorial by Cathy Webb.
Veterans Day Drive-Through Event
Thu, Nov 11, 12 PM
Grand Ronde Health & Wellness Center
All Veterans Welcome!
We are excited to announce that we are having a Veterans Day Drive-Through Event on Veterans Day at Noon on the CTGR campus. We would like to honor your service with a boxed lunch and a t-shirt (while supplies last). Please enter at the main entrance and follow the signs.
If you would like, drive your fancy car and/or dress-up your vehicle with your branch of service memorabilia to show love to your branch of the military! (Please keep decorations related to your branch of service only). Veterans in vehicles that are “dressed-up” will receive a gas card (while supplies last). We would also like to take a photo of you to commemorate the day!
We would like to see all of the different branches represent!
Free entry into National Parks – VETERANS DAY
Thursday Nov. 11th 12:30-1:30
Crater Lake
Free National Park Entry Day at Crater Lake National Park to celebrate Veterans day and Oregon Veterans service.
