Memorial Day Events Scheduled Around Mid-Valley

(SALEM) - -- Memorial Day, first proclaimed officially by General John Logan, National Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic on May 5th, 1868 has changed somewhat through the years. First observed on May 30th, 1868 as a day to lay flowers on the graves of Union and Confederate Soldiers at Arlington Nation Cemetery, Memorial Day began with the humble origins of early women`s groups decorating the graves of Civil War soldiers.

Today we use Memorial Day to pay honor to all of those who have died, not just those who served our country.

But those brave men and women still hold a special place in our history and our hearts. In recognition of this rich history, the Oregon Department of Veterans` Affairs is proud to announce the Memorial Day celebrations occurring throughout the state of which we have become aware. Attendance and participation is encouraged.

May 29th “ 2:00 PM “ Military members who have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan will be honored during a ceremony at the Veterans Memorial located at 1100 NW Kings Blvd. The names of Benton County military members killed in action and listed on the Memorial`s Honor Wall will be read.

Flag-raising by the OSU NROTC Cadets. An MIA bracelet worn by a Texas resident since 1971 will be presented to the sister of a local MIA soldier, William L. Kincade. Contact: Les Whittle, 541-752-3222

May 29th “ 11:00 AM “ The Dallas Pioneer Cemetery, located at 2065 SW Fairview Avenue will host its annual program and Avenue of Flags display. More than 450 flags will be displayed all day. Col. Charles L. Yriarte, 82nd Brigade, Oregon Army National Guard, is the guest speaker. An F-15 flyover by the Oregon Air National Guard has been requested. Contact: Jim Quigley, 503-623-0955

May 29th “ 11:00 AM “ The 61st Annual Fleet of Flowers memorial will depart from the Depoe Bay Harbor following a brief bay front ceremony including the presentation of the flags of each of the U.S. Armed Forces, bag pipers and brief remarks. Those in attendance at the docks may board and ride the flower-bedecked vessels of the local fleet under the Depoe Bay Bridge to the open ocean where the flowers from all boats are cast upon the water in memory of U.S. military members who have given their lives in the service to this country and all those who have lost their lives at sea. Depoe Bay is located on Highway 101 between Lincoln City and Newport. Contact: Barbara Leff, 541-765-3445

May 29th “ 8:00 AM “ A ceremony, that includes a Color Guard, a brief service, and 21-gun salute, will be presented at the cemetery by American Legion Post 75, AMVETS Post 2000, VFW Post 4211 and the Northwest Indian Veterans` Association. The cemetery is located on Grand Ronde Road. May 29th “ 3:00 PM “ A ceremony at the Veterans Memorial, will include a Color Guard, and 21-gun salute presented by American Legion Post 75, AMVETS Post 2000, VFW Post 4211 and the Northwest Indian Veterans` Association. Guest speakers will include Jim Willis, Director of the Oregon Department of Veterans` Affairs, and ODVA Deputy Director, Paula Brown. New names of local veterans will be added to the memorial, located between Highway 18 and 22 on Grande Ronde Road. Contact: Carl Lambert, AMVETS, Department, 503-879-4222

May 20th “ 10:30 AM, 12:00 PM, and 2:00 PM. “Veteran military presentations will be featured at the Evergreen Aviation Museum in honor of Armed Forces Day. May 27th “ 12:00 “ Hear a Memorial Day Weekend Presentation at the Evergreen Aviation Museum by B-17 Pilot Russell Barney. May 29th “ The Museum will have speaker presentations, cockpit viewings, a B-17 `Flying Fortress" walk-through ($3 each) and other activities all day. The museum is located at 500 NE Captain Michael King Smith Way, about 35 miles southwest of Portland on Highway 18. The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission: Adults, $10; Seniors, Veterans, Active Duty and Reserves (with ID), $6; Youth (ages 6-18), $7; and Children (ages 5 and under), free. Find more information at: www.sprucegoose.org. Contact: Nicole Wahlberg, 503-434-4180

May 29th “ 9:30 AM “ American Legion Post 89 will sponsor an old fashion Memorial Day service at Calvary Cemetery, one-quarter mile north of town on Highway 214. A memorial wreath will be placed. An Honor Guard from Troop E, 116th Cavalry, Oregon Army National Guard will fire a salute, taps will be played. An F-15 flyover from the Oregon Air National Guard has been requested. If the weather is inclement, the services will take place at St. Mary`s Parish Church at 575 East College Street.

May 29th “ 11:00 AM “ VFW Post 4015 will host a ceremony in Memorial Park on South Blaine Street. A roll call will be made of deceased Newberg veterans. Color Guard and 21-gun salute provided by Newberg City Police. A BBQ lunch will be served to attendees for which donation will be accepted.

Salem May 29th “ 11:00 AM “ The Greater Salem Area Veterans` Organizations (GSAVO) will be sponsoring the 26th annual Memorial Day program at City View Cemetery, located at 390 Hoyt Street South. The ceremony`s guest speaker will be Jim Willis, Director of the Oregon Department of Veterans` Affairs. An F-15 flyover from the has been requested. A potluck luncheon will be held afterwards at VFW Post 661 at 630 Hood Street N.E.

May 29th “ 11:00 AM “ A ceremony, that includes a Color Guard, a brief service, and 21-gun salute, will be presented at the Greencrest Memorial Cemetery by American Legion Post 75, AMVETS Post 2000, VFW Post 4211 and the Northwest Indian Veterans` Association. The cemetery is located near Highway 18 in Sheridan.

May 29 “ 9:00 AM “ A ceremony, that includes a Color Guard, a brief service, and 21-gun salute, will be presented at the cemetery by American Legion Post 75, AMVETS Post 2000, VFW Post 4211 and the Northwest Indian Veterans` Association. The cemetery is located downtown on the Highway 18 (Business Route). Contact: Carl Lambert, AMVETS, Department, 503-879-4222