Salem Memorial Day celebration takes place at Oregon World War II Memorial

SALEM Ore. (KPTV) – For the last 156 years, the nation has recognized the last Monday in May as a day of remembrance for fallen soldiers.

This year, a crowd gathered at the Oregon World War II Memorial in Salem to hear from state leaders and veterans and take a moment to reflect.

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“This year we mark 79 years since the Allied victory in World War II,” Governor Tina Kotek said in her remarks to the crowd. “More than 16 million Americans left everything they know to fight for our freedom, and more than 3,700 Oregonians gave their lives in that war.”

The crowd also heard remarks from the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs Director, Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels, and Oregon Adjutant General Alan R. Gronewold.

Representative Thuy Tran, who represents northeast and southeast Portland, spoke about her own experiences with the Oregon Air National Guard and the importance of remembering those who sacrificed their lives for the country.

“They were our friends, our comrades, our family,” Tran said. “They were ordinary people who performed extraordinary acts of bravery…their names are etched in history and their spirits live on in our hearts.”

Michael Sowles from Stayton served in the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1970, and he now works with the American Legion to support veterans leaving the prison system.

He visited Monday’s event to remember his father, who was incarcerated on a Japanese island in World War II, and eventually saved by American troops.

“I’m honoring him, and all the other veterans in the United States, and the ones who didn’t come home,” Sowles told FOX 12. “Throughout time we had so many people who rose to the occasion to help keep our country safe and have our liberties.”

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With the laying of a memorial wreath and a color guard flag ceremony, it was a chance for Oregon leaders, veterans, and community members to recall some of the founding principles of the nation and those who gave their lives for them.

“Their courage inspires us, humbles us, and calls all of us to be better stewards of the freedoms that they so valiantly defended,” Gov. Kotek said.

If you want to see the full video of the ceremony, you can visit the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs Facebook and YouTube pages.

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