Oregon Soldiers And Airmen Honor Memorial Day In Regional Ceremonies (Photo) - 05/25/26

SALEM, Ore. - Oregon National Guard service members participated in ceremonies across Oregon and Southwest Washington to honor individuals who died in defense of the nation on Memorial Day, May 25, 2026. As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Memorial Day takes on heightened significance, as the country pauses each year to honor those who sacrificed their lives to secure the nation's pursuit of liberty and cherished freedoms.

During the nation’s 200th anniversary in 1976, President Gerald R. Ford’s speech at Arlington National Cemetery on May 31 paused to honor the service members whose sacrifices spanned the nation’s history, linking their courage to the anniversary celebrations.

“As we mark this milestone of our national independence, however, we must not forget the lessons of history. Other nations have risen to great heights only to weaken in their resolve. We must not repeat their error. We must remain strong in our defense and steadfast in our resolve to uphold the principles with which we began two centuries ago.”

Speaking at the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs Memorial Day celebration in Salem, Governor Tina Kotek highlighted that Memorial Day unites Americans in remembrance of the sacrifices made by service members.

"Memorial Day is not simply a tradition, it's a responsibility — a responsibility to remember the human cost of war, to honor those who never came home, and to ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten,” she said.

Following Governor Kotek's remarks, Oregon Army National Guard Col. Russell Gibson, Government and Legislative Affairs Director and Commander, 82nd Brigade Troop Command, represented the Oregon Military Department and the State’s military community. He emphasized that the sacrifices made by Oregon’s sons and daughters should always be remembered.

"The men and women we honor today are not just names on a wall or statistics in a history book — they were sons and daughters, husbands and wives, mothers and fathers," Russell said.  "Their stories are our stories, and it is our sacred duty to preserve their memory and ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten."

Meanwhile, at a Memorial Day event at FirLawn Cemetery in Hillsboro, Oregon, Army National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Bertilson highlighted that when Oregon Soldiers deploy, "The impact is felt here as the families sacrifice when their loved ones are far from home."

Culminating the day is one of the major Memorial Day events at Willamette National Cemetery. Oregon Army and Air National Guardsmen, along with Navy, Marine Corps, and other military members, served as Color Guard and performed military duties for the ceremony.  A patriotic flyover conducted by the Oregon Air National Guard at the cemetery was one of nearly a dozen flyovers in cities and towns across the region, where the F-15 Eagles from the 142nd Wing flew in support of Memorial Day events.

“We are standing on Hollow ground,” said Wendall Pelham, the Keynote speaker and a Gold Star Father. “Men and women have given their lives so that we could spend this beautiful day together, sharing their legacies. Americans who answered their nation’s call, not because it was easy, not because it was safe, but because they believed there were things greater than themselves worth defending.”  

-30-

Released Images:

260525-Z-ZJ128-1001: Carla Buyes (left), Gold Star mother of Cpl. Adam J. Buyes, U.S. Marine Corps, and Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek stand with a memorial wreath at Oregon Capitol State Park in Salem, Oregon, on May 25, 2026, prior to the Oregon Statewide Memorial Day Ceremony hosted by the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs. Cpl. Buyes, of Salem, Oregon, was assigned to the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and died Nov. 26, 2011, in Helmand province, Afghanistan, while conducting combat operations during Operation Enduring Freedom. He was 21. (Oregon National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne)

260525-Z-ZJ128-1002-1005: Oregon National Guardsmen joined Oregon state and community leaders at Oregon Capitol State Park in Salem, Ore., May 25, 2026, for the Oregon Statewide Memorial Day Ceremony hosted by the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs. The ceremony honored fallen service members through a posting of the colors by North Salem High School JROTC, a reading of "In Flanders Fields," a flyover, and keynote remarks from Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek. Chaplain Col. Jacob Scott, Oregon Army National Guard, delivered the invocation and benediction, and Col. Russell Gibson, commander of the 82nd Troop Command Brigade and government and legislative affairs director for the Oregon Military Department, delivered remarks on behalf of the Guard and the state's military community. The ceremony concluded with the laying of a wreath by Gov. Kotek, ODVA Director Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels, and Carla Buyes, a Gold Star mother. (Oregon National Guard photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne)

260525-Z-LM216-1001-1004: A Memorial Day ceremony was held at Fir Lawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home in Hillsboro, Ore., to honor and pay tribute to all U.S. service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice, May 25, 2026. Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Bertilson, Oregon Army National Guard, was the guest speaker during the ceremony. (Oregon National Guard photo by 1st Sgt. Zachary Holden)

260525-Z-CH590-1056: Military members of a Joint Service Honor Guard team post the Colors to begin the Memorial Day Observance held at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, Oregon, on May 25, 2026. This year marked the 76th annual Memorial Day Observance at Willamette National Cemetery, one of three national cemeteries in Oregon (the others being Roseburg and Eagle Point). (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260525-Z-CH590-1261: Wendall Pelham, a Gold Star Father, delivers the keynote address during the Memorial Day Observance at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon, on May 25, 2026. This year marked the 76th annual Memorial Day Observance at Willamette National Cemetery, one of three national cemeteries in Oregon (the others being Roseburg and Eagle Point). (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260525-Z-CH590-1594: Family, friends, visitors, and other mourners of the fallen move among the thousands of American flags displayed at the gravesites at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon, following the Memorial Day Observances held on May 25, 2026. Memorial Day is dedicated to honoring all those who died in service to the United States during both peacetime and war. This year marked the 76th annual Memorial Day Observance at Willamette National Cemetery, one of three national cemeteries in Oregon (the others being Roseburg and Eagle Point). (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260525-Z-CH590-1379: Military members of a Joint Service Honor Guard team perform a rifle salute during the Memorial Day Observance held at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, Oregon, on May 25, 2026. This year marked the 76th annual Memorial Day Observance at Willamette National Cemetery, one of three national cemeteries in Oregon (the others being Roseburg and Eagle Point). (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260525-Z-CH590-1402: Oregon Army National Guard Chaplain (Maj.) Wesley Moldogo delivers the Benediction at the conclusion of the Memorial Day Observance at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, Oregon, on May 25, 2026. This year marked the 76th annual Memorial Day Observance at Willamette National Cemetery, one of three national cemeteries in Oregon (the others being Roseburg and Eagle Point). (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260525-Z-CH590-1329: Two Oregon Air National Guard F-15 Eagle jets assigned to the 142nd Wing at Portland Air National Guard Base conduct a patriotic flyover during the Memorial Day Observance at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon, on May 25, 2026. This year marked the 76th annual Memorial Day Observance at Willamette National Cemetery, one of three national cemeteries in Oregon (the others being Roseburg and Eagle Point). (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

142nd Wing To Conduct Memorial Day Flyovers (Photo) - 05/22/26

All passes will be approximately 1,000 feet above ground level and about 400 mph airspeed. Flights could be canceled or times changed due to inclement weather or operational contingencies.

-30-

Aerial b-roll: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/752272/142nd-wing-f-15-flight-gopro-footage

About the 142nd Wing:

The Portland Air National Guard Base employs 1400 Airmen who provide an economic impact of nearly $500 million to the region. The 142nd Wing defends our homeland with F-15 Eagle fighter jets, guarding the Pacific Northwest skies from northern California to the Canadian border through their Aerospace Control Alert mission as part of Air Combat Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). Their mission is to provide unequalled, mission-ready units to sustain combat aerospace superiority and peacetime tasking any time, any place in service to our nation, state and community.

For more information, contact 142nd Wing Public Affairs at 503-335-4347.

Photo caption:

An F-15EX from the 142nd Wing performs a fly-by at the Oregon International Air Show in Hillsboro, Ore. May 17, 2026. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman Casey Burruel)

Rees Training Center Hosts The Annual Oregon National Guard Combat Marksmanship Training Exercise And Armed Forces Day (Photo) - 05/16/26

HERMISTON, Ore. – Oregon Army and Air National Guardsmen participated in the annual Combat Marksmanship Training Exercise, or “TAG Match,” held as part of the Armed Forces Day celebration at the Rees Training Center near Hermiston, Oregon, and concluded on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Over 125 Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen took part in the completion, with the awards being presented by Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon, during the festivities of Armed Forces Day.

The TAG Match is a shooting competition open to all Oregon Army and Air National Guard members to improve combat marksmanship, build camaraderie, and give the top shooters a chance to earn distinguished pistol and rifle badges for their military uniforms.

“Marksmanship is a Warrior Skill. It demands discipline, patience, physical control, and mental focus.” Gronewold said while presenting awards to service members who endured the windy conditions during the three-day event. “Whether it was in the three-gun, practical rifle, speed pistol, or Cascade Cup – our Soldiers and Airmen are trained, ready, and capable. Those of you receiving awards this afternoon, congratulations.”

To kick off the Armed Forces Day celebration, Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees also congratulated those participating in the marksmanship match and offered historical insights into Armed Forces Day, a federal observance held each year on the third Saturday of May to honor the men and women currently serving in the U.S. military across all branches of service.

“On July 4th this year, we will celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday – 250 years since the Declaration of Independence. That independence was achieved through the heroic action of our Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines,” Rees said, speaking not only to the service members and their families in attendance, but also to those civilian members in the communities around Eastern Oregon who took part in the day’s activities.

“Today, we are celebrating our armed forces to demonstrate our appreciation for our men and women who serve our nation, and I want to take this opportunity to include my appreciation for the men and women who serve in our Oregon Army and Air National Guard,” Rees said.

In September of 2022, the Umatilla Chemical Depot was officially renamed the Raymond F. Rees Training Center in his honor and contributions to the Nation and State. He served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Training, Readiness, and Mobilization from 2014 to 2019, and as the Adjutant General of Oregon on three different appointments.

This was also the second time that the Oregon National Guard had hosted an Armed Forces Day celebration at the Rees Training Center. Activities include a vast array of static displays of military vehicles, community vendors, and historical displays.

-30-

Released Images:

260514-Z-CH590-1106: Airmen from the 173rd Fighter Wing arrive by bus at one of the many small arms ranges at the Rees Training Center, near Hermiston, Oregon, on May 14, 2026, to begin the annual Combat Marksmanship Training Exercise, or “TAG Match.” Over 125 competitors took part in the rivalry, which featured rifle, pistol, and shotgun events, made even more challenging by windy conditions. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260514-Z-CH590-1630: While waiting for a chance to take part in the Combat Marksmanship Training Exercise, Soldiers enjoy some time to catch up on their recent training at the Rees Training Center, near Hermiston, Oregon, on May 14, 2026. Over 125 competitors took part in the rivalry, which featured rifle, pistol, and shotgun events, made even more challenging by windy conditions. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260514-Z-CH590-1464: Oregon Army and Air National Guard members take the opportunity to ‘Zero’ their M-4 rifles on the first day of the annual Combat Marksmanship Training Exercise, or “TAG Match,” on May 14, 2026, at the Rees Training Center, near Hermiston, Oregon. Over 125 competitors took part in the rivalry, which featured rifle, pistol, and shotgun events, made even more challenging by windy conditions. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260515-Z-CH590-1919: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon, takes part in the annual Combat Marksmanship Training Exercise, or “TAG Match,” three-gun event held at the Rees Training, near Hermiston, Oregon, on May 15, 2026. Over 125 competitors took part in the rivalry, which featured rifle, pistol, and shotgun events, made even more challenging by windy conditions. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260515-Z-CH590-2159: An Oregon Army National Guard Soldier fires from a fixed barrier with his M-4 Rifle during the annual Combat Marksmanship Training Exercise, or “TAG Match,” on May 15, 2026, at the Rees Training Center, near Hermiston, Oregon. Over 125 competitors took part in the rivalry, which featured rifle, pistol, and shotgun events, made even more challenging by windy conditions. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260515-Z-CH590-2447: An Oregon Air National Guard Airman fires from a fixed barrier with her M-4 Rifle during the annual Combat Marksmanship Training Exercise, or “TAG Match,” on May 15, 2026, at the Rees Training Center, near Hermiston, Oregon. Over 125 competitors took part in the rivalry, which featured rifle, pistol, and shotgun events, made even more challenging by windy conditions. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260515-Z-CH590-2598: An Oregon Army National Guard Soldier fires at a series of targets with his M-9 Pistol during the annual Combat Marksmanship Training Exercise, or “TAG Match,” on May 15, 2026, at the Rees Training Center, near Hermiston, Oregon. Over 125 competitors took part in the rivalry, which featured rifle, pistol, and shotgun events, made even more challenging by windy conditions. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260516-Z-CH590-1094: Maj. Gen. (ret.) Raymond F. Rees delivers the opening remarks at the Oregon National Guard Armed Forces Day celebration at the Rees Training Center near Hermiston, Oregon, on May 16, 2025. Rees, who served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Training, Readiness, and Mobilization from 2014 to 2019, also served as Adjutant General of Oregon. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260516-Z-CH590-1097: Doug Primmer, Mayor of Hermiston, Oregon, delivers remarks during Armed Forces Day held at the Raymond F. Rees Training Center, near Hermiston, Oregon, on May 16, 2026. Armed Forces Day was created in 1949 by President Harry S. Truman to honor Americans serving in all military branches, replacing the separate Army, Navy, and Air Force Days. President John F. Kennedy officially designated the holiday in 1962. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260516-Z-CH590-1638: Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon, takes time to present awards to the winning competitors during the annual Combat Marksmanship Training Exercise, or “TAG Match,” held as part of the Armed Forces Day celebration at the Rees Training Center near Hermiston, Oregon, on May 16, 2026. Over 125 competitors took part in the rivalry, which featured rifle, pistol, and shotgun events, made even more challenging by windy conditions. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260516-Z-CH590-2300: Brigadier General Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General of Oregon (left), pauses for a photo with the top 10 pistol performers who comprise the distinguished Governor’s 20 Tab. The Governor’s 20 Tab is awarded to the top 10 pistol and top 10 rifle shooters and is worn on the left sleeve of the combat service uniform, positioned below other tabs, including Special Forces, Sapper, Ranger, and Honor Guard. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260516-Z-CH590-2200: Brigadier General Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General of Oregon (left), pauses for a photo with the top 10 rifle performers who comprise the distinguished Governor’s 20 Tab. The Governor’s 20 Tab is awarded to the top 10 pistol and top 10 rifle shooters and is worn on the left sleeve of the combat service uniform, positioned below other tabs, including Special Forces, Sapper, Ranger, and Honor Guard. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260516-Z-CH590-1564: A variety of static displays and military equipment were on display at the Armed Forces Day event held at the Rees Training Center on May 16, 2026, near Hermiston, Oregon. Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers answered questions from the public, enjoying a day of fun while visiting vendors and recruiting attractions. (National Guard photo by John Hughel)

260516-Z-CH590-1346: Visitors attending Armed Forces Day at the Rees Training Center, near Hermiston, Oregon, on May 16, 2026, get a hands-on demonstration of equipment used by WWII British Reenactment Soldiers. Armed Forces Day was created in 1949 by President Harry S. Truman to honor Americans serving in all military branches, replacing the separate Army, Navy, and Air Force Days. President John F. Kennedy officially designated the holiday in 1962. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)