Honoring America’s Heroes

by Communications Office

Oregonians paid tribute to our veterans in many different ways and Senator Wyden was honored to be a part of several of them.

At the Portland VA Medical Center, Senator Wyden and other Oregonians gathered to visit with veterans and thank them for their service. For Reynolds High School’s 3rd annual Living History Day, Senator Wyden, students, and community members gathered to honor over 400 veterans and hear their stories of service.

In Portland, Senator Wyden helped serve at the Portland City Bible Church Veterans Day breakfast and also chronicled the stories of Oregon veterans by interviewing Iraq War veteran Coleman LaFazio for NPR’s StoryCorps.  Senator Wyden then headed to Forest Grove for the Elks Lodge day room dedication and met with WWII veteran Lt. Col. Dewitt.

In a unique moment, Senator Wyden -with the help of Mrs. Royse- surprised World War II Navy veteran Dick Royse with six military honors that were long overdue. Afterwards, he headed to Albany’s American Legion’s Veteran of the Year Banquet where he presented veteran Harlan Neal and his wife, Inez, with a flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol to commemorate Mr. Neal’s service.

On Veterans Day, Senator Wyden, paid his respects to the fallen at the Linn County Veterans Day Memorial Service with Major General Hokanson and visited with the Albany Eagles at their annual Biscuits and Gravy Veterans breakfast. One of the highlights of the weekend was marching in the Albany Veterans Day parade- it was fantastic to see so many Oregonians attend and show their support for those who sacrifice for our freedom.

“America’s veterans represent the best of America and I am deeply grateful for their service,” said Senator Wyden. “It’s important to honor them, not just on Veterans Day, but every day through our actions and public service.”