Fighter Jets Commemorate Veterans Day With Flyovers Across Oregon Today
The World War I armistice was signed 106 years ago on November 11 at 11 a.m. Today, the 173rd Wing, Kingsley Field, will mark this significant moment in history by flying across Oregon on 11/11 at 11 a.m. as part of the Veterans Day ceremonies.
Veterans Day Ceremonies In Oregon
While Memorial Day honors military personnel who died while serving, on Veterans Day everyone who served in the military is honored.
Based in Salem, Tyler Francke, the Oregon Veterans Affairs spokesperson said the ceremony is designed to be a statewide event. Ceremonies will be held in Albany, Beaverton, Bend, Florence, Klamath Falls, Madras, Portland, Shady Cove, Tigard, and Vancouver.
At the ceremonies, attendees watch a wreath being laid, recite the Pledge of Allegiance, sing the national anthem, and hear “Taps”- the bugle call marking the end of the military day.
Francke said Salem will be welcoming everyone who lives in an area where there aren’t formal ceremonies planned but still want to show their appreciation, or pass on those values to their kids. He said, “We really welcome you.”
The event will be held outdoor and, given the November weather, Francke suggests people dress accordingly and bring umbrellas or ponchos if rain is forecast as it could get chilly.
Oregon 173rd Fighter Wing Veterans Day Flyovers
Fighter jets from the 173rd Fighter Wing will take to the skies just after 10 a.m. on Monday, and the Oregon Air National Guard has eight flyovers planned throughout Oregon as part of Veterans Day on Monday morning.
The commander of the 142nd Wing said the flights symbolize respect and gratitude for veterans but also demonstrate the military’s ongoing commitment to protecting the Pacific Northwest and upholding the freedoms the veterans fought to secure.
The Veterans Day flyovers are scheduled to take place at approximately the following times:
- 10:30 a.m. Downtown Roseburg
- 10:45 a.m. Eagle Point
- 11:00 a.m. Veteran’s Park, Klamath Falls
- 11:20 a.m. VFW Post 966, Brookings
- 11.30 a.m. Grave Creek Covered Bridge, Sunny Valley
The F-15 Eagle fighter jets will fly at roughly 400 miles per hour airspeed about 1,000 feet above the ground.