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.” Attendees should please be advised that this year’s event will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 10 — the day before Veterans Day. The event will be hosted at the Oregon State Capitol Park located on Court Street Northeast in downtown Salem — directly in front of the Oregon State Capitol Building.
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.
“We are grateful to be able to host an in-person event this year, in a safe, socially distanced format designed to ensure the health and safety of participants and attendees,” said Kelly Fitzpatrick, director of ODVA, which is organizing the event with the help of state and local partners. “We are especially honored to be able to host this important event in such a prominent location, in the heart of our state capital. This day reminds us of the great debt that we owe our nation’s heroes; they deserve to be recognized and honored — not only on Veterans Day, but every day.”
For those unable to attend, the event will also be livestreamed on ODVA’s Facebook page.
2021 Virtual Veterans Day Events
For those who wish to attend virtual events this Veterans’ Day, here is a selection (this list may be updated periodically):
2021 Veterans Day Virtual Events
Several national level organizations are hosting 2021 Veterans Day virtual events due to the current COVID-19 pandemic.
One such event is the Musicians On Call special virtual concert, which will be made available to all VA facilities across the country beginning Nov. 8.
Below is a list of events, which will be updated as new information is available:
Veterans Day 2021 Virtual Program
Virtual program by National Museum of the Pacific War
A time to honor those who have served, our virtual Veterans Day Program this year is a moment to pay respect and show our support for the nation’s veterans.
November 11, 2021 | 7AM – 3PM PST
Annual Veterans Concert by the Willamette Master Chorus
The chorus will perform patriotic, remembrance, and music of gratitude. A special thank you to our veterans, along with appreciation to firefighters who helped us through the devastating fires of September 2020 will be offered. Also, acknowledgment of those who sacrificed so much on September 11, 2001.
November 14 2021 | 3PM
Veteran Memorials Walking Tour
Take a walk through Salem’s veteran memorials starting on ODVA’s grounds and learn their history as you go.
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