This Veterans Day across the nation, for the first time since the holiday was conceived in November 1919, there will be no large ceremonies in big cities and small towns in observance to properly express our gratitude and appreciation of our country’s brave men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces.
This Veterans Day across the nation, for the first time since the holiday was conceived in November 1919, there will be no large ceremonies in big cities and small towns in observance to properly express our gratitude and appreciation of our country’s brave men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces.
For the second year in a row, Memorial Day observances in communities, organizations and even within family groups will look very different later this month
This Veterans Day across the nation, for the first time since the holiday was conceived in November 1919, there will be no large ceremonies in big cities and small towns in observance to properly express our gratitude and appreciation of our country’s brave men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces.
We are facing monumental, unforeseen challenges. Nonetheless, recognizing that ODVA has good reason to celebrate its 75 years of service to Oregon veterans and their families, we will celebrate virtually, stretching the commemoration over the balance of the year.
In these unprecedented times, I have found myself reflecting more and more on the importance of tradition. Our great nation is rooted in many wonderful traditions. They bind us together, they strengthen us. They provide structure to our lives. They give meaning to the sacrifices that have been made to preserve our freedoms and our way of life.
I love to study our nation’s history through the lens of our military veterans. Who could fail to be inspired by the brash courage of the United States Marines during the Battle of Belleau Wood in World War I? Or by the words of Marine Captain Lloyd W. Williams, who, after being repeatedly urged to turn back by retreating French forces, famously said, “Retreat? Hell, we just got here.” Legend has it that it was at this battle that Marines earned the German nickname “Teufelshunde”: “Devil Dogs.” What about the story of Pfc. Dirk J. Vlug, serving in the Philippines during World War II, who refused to back down despite being outnumbered 5-to-1. No, it wasn’t one against five enemy soldiers. It was one soldier against five, heavily armed Japanese tanks.
Every year, I’m struck by the powerful — and often, opposing — emotions that Memorial Day stirs. We celebrate our freedoms, and yet, we mourn
Forty-five years ago today, combat and combat support units withdrew from South Vietnam.
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Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs