Category: Events Around Oregon

The U.S. military’s newest fighter aircraft, seen above, are here in Oregon!

The Oregon Air National Guard’s 142nd Wing has transitioned to the Air Force’s all new, highly advanced F-15EX Eagle II. You can see these jets flying proudly over our state’s northern skies for the first time on Memorial Day 2026! Take an inside look at the Director of the Air National Guard flying this plane May 21st 2026, and why he calls it “amazing.” Meanwhile, Oregon Air National Guard’s 173rd Fighter Wing, based in Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, is taking a pause from flying (see below) while it transitions to fifth generation F-35A Lightning II jets which will not be online there until 2027.

Pictured above is the Oregon Air Nat’l Guard aircraft we have been use to see flying on major American holidays: either the F-15C (one-seat) or the F-15D (two seat, training) Eagle fighter jet. These air-to-air combat planes are distinguished from the multi-role F-15E Strike Eagles later developed and used in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, which are a darker gray camouflaged color.

Memorial Day 2026
Flyover Schedule!

** Updated 18:15 PST 05-22-2026

NORTHWEST OREGON ¹

SOUTHWEST OREGON ³

Unfortunately, there will be no Memorial Day flights over our Southwest Oregon communities in 2026. The reason is that the 173rd Fighter Wing based in Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls that makes those flights is transitioning aircraft. It’s going from a formal training unit for the F-15C and F-15D Eagles that have flown for decades to a training unit for the F-35A Lightning II. The 173rd retired its last F-15 Eagles in December 2025. It won’t get the new F-35s until 2027. Meanwhile significant infrastructure upgrades are underway at the base. This is a major conversion involving the most sophisticated fighter jet ever designed. The 173rd Fighter Wing has had no choice but to pause all flyover requests until late 2027. 

1. 142nd Fighter Wing (“Redhawks”), Portland Air National Guard Base in Portland, Oregon. ↩︎
2. Flights could be cancelled or flyover times changed due to weather conditions or operational contingencies. ↩︎
3. 173rd Fighter Wing (“Land of No Slack”), Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Oregon. ↩︎
4. Flights could be cancelled or flyover times changed due to weather conditions or operational contingencies. ↩︎

Oregon has a long, truly remarkable tradition of formal, civic observance of Memorial Day, the last Monday of every May set aside from work, under federal law, to remember those who have died during their U.S. military service. The diversity and depth of Memorial Day commemorations around the state testify to the power and dedication of Oregon’s people. Over the years, local veterans groups, supporting municipal governments and citizens in each area of Oregon have helped organize and attend these ceremonial Memorial Day events. As a result, Oregonians are fortunate to have many Memorial Day observances across the State from which to choose. Each commemoration reflects a community’s unique local customs. Each is tinged with its own richness and meaning.

Memorial Day parades in Oregon

There are not as many Memorial Day parades as in the past. However, on the morning of Memorial Day in Oregon, people in some cities (Klamath Falls, Prineville, Reedsport, Seaside, Wasco) still maintain the tradition, going back to the founding of Memorial Day, of having full-fledged parades. These processions wind their way through main streets and/or neighborhoods and are truly remarkable events to be a part of.

Oregonians who are physically challenged to get out to a parade, but want to experience one can tune into to the spectacular National Memorial Day Parade in Washington DC at 11:00am PST.

Memorial Day services in Oregon

The bedrock Memorial Day event for most locales in Oregon is at least one solemn and inspiring public service. Honored citizens place beautiful wreaths. A bugler plays taps. A local band plays inspiring patriotic music. High-ranking military or government officials make speeches. Ceremonies are often highlighted by gun or canon salutes and/or military flyovers. Oh, and there are often food and drinks afterwards!

Cemetery services

In Oregon, most (but certainly not all) Memorial Day services are held at cemeteries. As its original name, Decoration Day, implies Memorial Day has roots in the communal act of decorating the graves of fallen soldiers. That practice arose in various communities around the country during and just after the American Civil War. All these years and too many wars later, the tradition continues.

There are services at each of Oregon’s four national military cemeteries (Willamette National in Portland, Ft. Stevens National in Warrenton, Roseburg National, and Eagle Point National). There are also services at city-managed public cemeteries (Ashland, Astoria, Coos Bay, Oregon City, Pendleton, Redmond), private cemeteries (Baker City, Bend, Coos Bay, Gresham, Hood River, Junction City, Medford, Salem), as well as non-profit cemeteries (Eugene, Forest Grove, Tigard, Mt. Angel).

Services at veterans memorials

Many Oregon cities (Beaverton, Columbia City, Gresham, Klamath Falls, Lake Oswego, North Plains, Newberg, Scappoose, Springfield, Warrenton) have their own veterans memorial sites for services. A few Oregon counties also have veterans memorials where there are services on Memorial Day (Benton County/Corvallis). Finally, you can find a Memorial Day service at one of Oregon’s several beautiful state-themed war memorials. These are dedicated to all Oregonians who died in a particular war (World War II/Salem, Korean War/ Wilsonville, Vietnam War/Portland).

Why attending a Memorial Day commemoration matters

Your attendance at one of these formal observances each year matters for two reasons. First, Oregon history and American history matter. Part of our civic responsibility is understanding that history as it pertains to war and helping our children understand it. Attending a Memorial Day service is a powerful, hands-on way to gain some of that understanding. Second, Memorial Day is completely unique as a holiday, or any day we have really, in its particular focus: to get us to reflect on the nature of major sacrifice. What can we learn from and feel about those who died in war for our country and local communities? What does it mean to sacrifice for something bigger than oneself?

So make it a point to go. Take a family member or friend with you. Look at the smiles and feel the good will and togetherness of the people around you at the ceremony. You’ll be glad you made the effort.

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