The Oregon National Guard celebrated Armed Forces Day at the Oregon State Capitol Mall in downtown Salem, May 13.
The annual celebration gives Oregonians an opportunity to see the capabilities of the Oregon National Guard and introduces them to the agencies which support the state and work with federal partners.
During the ceremony, Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski thanked Oregonians in uniform for their contributions and sacrifice.
The annual celebration gives Oregonians an opportunity to see the capabilities of the Oregon National Guard and introduces them to the agencies which support the state and work with federal partners.
During the ceremony, Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski thanked Oregonians in uniform for their contributions and sacrifice.
Military equipment was on display starting, including a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter, 105mm Howitzer cannons, a light armored vehicle (LAV), military firefighting equipment, a HEMTT, and a Humvee.
A highlight of the event was a flyover of the Oregon Air National Guard's top air superiority fighter. Two F-15 Eagles from the 142nd Fighter Wing broke through the clouds to skim just over the capitol's dome and the Oregon Pioneer.
As a tribute to those in uniform, soldiers from the Oregon Army National Guard's Bravo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery, fired three 105mm Howitzer cannons, filling the Capitol Mall with smoke.
