PORTLAND, Oregon — People across the Pacific Northwest and the U.S. are marking Veterans Day by honoring those who have served in the military and those who have sacrificed their lives.
A 24-hour vigil on the University of Portland campus began at 11 a.m. on Friday. It's one of many events happening in the metro area for Veterans Day. The university's Army and Air Force ROTC cadets will stand watch at the Praying Hands/Broken Wall Memorial on the East Quad of campus until 11 a.m. on Saturday.
"It’s just a time for us to reflect on why we’re here, why we’re doing what we’re doing and how we can be better officers for our people," said Alexa Ulrich, a nursing student who has been a member of the ROTC for four years.
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For fellow nursing cadet Jarrett Albelo, being in the ROTC means continuing his family's legacy.
"It’s an honor to be able to stand here for those who have gone before us ... My grandpa served and did ROTC as well and so did my dad, and so I guess I’m following in their footsteps," said Abelo, who is a junior.
The vigil will end with a commemoration ceremony and the playing of "Taps" during the retiring of the guard.
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Veterans Day events and discounts
Here's a list of some of the events and deals going on around the Portland metro area for Veterans Day.
Portland Veterans Day Parade
- What: Parade and closing ceremony in Northeast Portland.
- When: Starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11.
- Where: Parade route begins at Northeast Beech Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Click or tap here for the full parade route. The closing ceremony is in the parking lot behind 5305 Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
More details available here
142nd Wing flyovers
- What: The 142nd Wing out of the Portland Air National Guard Base will conduct flyovers for ceremonies.
- When: The first flyover is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11 over the Portland Veterans Day Parade. The last flyover will be at 12:10 p.m. over McMinnville.
- Where: Various locations in Oregon and Southwest Washington.
Free admission to the Oregon Historical Society
- What: Veterans, active-duty military and their family members receive free museum admission.
- When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11 and 12 p.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 12.
- Where: Oregon Historical Society, 1200 Southwest Park Avenue in Portland.
Free skating at Oaks Amusement Park
- What: Free open skate admission for veterans and a 25% discount for veterans' families. Bring a veteran ID or a photo of yourself in uniform.
- When: 1-5 p.m. and 7-10:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11.
- Where: Oaks Amusement Park, 7805 Southeast Oaks Park Way in Portland.
Fee-free day for national forests in the Pacific Northwest
- What: U.S. Forest Service will waive recreation fees at most day-use sites on lands that it manages.
- When: Saturday, Nov. 11.
- Where: Various recreation sites and trails across Oregon and Washington.