People observed Veterans' Day at the ceremony on the capitol mall in Salem, Nov 11, 2023
Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs
Communities across Oregon will host Veterans Day ceremonies Monday, with most starting at 11 a.m. That’s the same time and date 106 years ago that the World War I armistice was signed in France, officially ending the war that was supposed to end all wars.
In Salem, the state Department of Veterans Affairs honors those who served with a ceremony on the mall outside the Oregon State Capitol.
Attendees recite the Pledge of Allegiance, sing the national anthem, watch a wreath being laid and listen to “Taps,” the bugle call that marks the end of the military day.
Oregon Veterans Affairs spokesperson Tyler Francke said the Salem ceremony is designed to be a statewide event.
“Wherever you are, if you don’t happen to have a Veterans Day event in your community and you’d like to show your appreciation, or bring your family out and pass those values onto your kids, we really welcome you,” Francke said.
It is an outdoor event in November, so Francke recommends people dress for the weather.
“Feel free to bring umbrellas if there’s rain in the forecast or ponchos,” he said. “It might be a little chilly.”
Veterans Day honors all individuals who served in the military, while Memorial Day honors military personnel who died while serving.
Other Veterans Day ceremonies scheduled for Monday include those in Portland, Albany, Beaverton, Madras, Vancouver, Florence, Klamath Falls, Shady Cove, Tigard, Bend.
People gathered at the Oregon Capitol last November for a Veterans Day ceremony.
Chris M Lehman