Oregon National Guard holds memorial services for 25th anniversary of Sept. 11
SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Oregon National Guard commemorated the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11 with memorial ceremonies in Salem and Gresham to honor victims, first responders and military families.
The events paid tribute to those lost during the 2001 terrorist attacks and in subsequent military operations. Service members, chaplains and local leaders gathered across both locations to offer prayers, perform musical tributes and share reflections on military and community service.
At the Salem ceremony, Brig. Gen. David N. Unruh, Air Component Commander for the Oregon National Guard, reflected on the lives lost in New York City, at the Pentagon and in rural Pennsylvania, where passengers on Flight 93 fought back against hijackers.
“We couldn't just let today go by unmarked like any other,” Unruh said. “Remembrance helps us make meaning of our own lives.”
Unruh also highlighted the bravery shown during and after the tragedy. “The loss of life that day and in the wars that followed is heartbreaking,” Unruh said. “Yet equally as profound are the stories of heroism, from the first responders to ordinary Americans who simply pitched in to help where they could.”
Chaplain (Col.) Jacob Scott, state chaplain for the Oregon National Guard, delivered the invocation and asked for comfort, shelter and protection. Scott encouraged attendees to follow the example of first responders by taking action to support others in need.
“Put one foot in front of another and take the next step,” Scott said. “Climb the stairs. Do what it takes to serve those in need.”
Scott emphasized that serving others directly honors those who died. “Take the next step,” Scott said. “We do what's right. If we do that, we'll honor those who died on nine/11 and those heroes who went before us.”
Oregon Army National Guard Russell Gibson, assistant adjutant general, also delivered remarks during the Salem gathering. The ceremony included a moment of silence for victims of the attacks, a performance of “God Bless America” by the Oregon Army National Guard's 234th Army Band and the sounding of “TAPS.”
In Gresham, the nine/11 Honor and Remember Gold Star Families' Memorial ceremony was hosted at Microchip Technologies. The event featured a commemorative display of 300 Honor and Remember Flags, alongside a performance of “TAPS” by Army National Guard Sgt. Scott Steele.
Chaplain (Capt.) Wes Moldogo provided the opening prayer at the Gresham memorial, emphasizing how the attacks altered the nation and deeply affected military families.
“Especially for our Gold Star families: the parents, spouses, children, siblings and loved ones that carry both the profound pride and the enduring sorrow,” Moldogo said.
Greg Matthews, a retired Gresham Fire Department chief and former member of the Oregon House of Representatives representing District 50 from 2009 to 2015, served as master of ceremonies. Matthews introduced Oregon Air National Guard Col. Ryan Barton, deputy commander of the Oregon Joint Domestic Operations Command. In his role, Barton oversees the administration, planning and execution of programs preparing the guard for federal or state emergencies and natural disasters.
Barton noted the shared commitment between military members and emergency personnel during crisis situations.
“With many people trying to escape the danger that morning, it was firefighters, police officers, paramedics and other first responders who were already moving toward the danger,” Barton said. “Throughout my career, I have always felt a strong connection between the military and those who serve our communities. September 11th showed the very best of that shared commitment and the courage in the face of uncertainty.”
