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News Release

10-29-25 Commissioners Issue Proclamation Honoring Veterans, Veterans Day And Military Families Month (Photo) - 10/29/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 29, 2025

 

Commissioners Issue Proclamation Honoring Veterans, Veterans Day and Military Families Month

 

(Douglas County, Oregon) – The Douglas County Board of Commissioners issued a proclamation today, Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at the Weekly Business Meeting calling upon all citizens of Douglas County to celebrate and honor Veterans and Military Families Month.  The proclamation also recognized and invited residents to honor all veterans on Veterans Day and attend the 70th Annual Douglas County Veterans Day Parade.  Commissioner & Board Chair Tim Freeman welcomed everyone to the meeting and said, “What a great turn out!  It is always a great day when we get to recognize our Veteran community.”  Commissioner Chirs Boice presented the proclamation, on behalf of the Board and acknowledged that, “throughout our nation’s history, courageous men and women have donned the uniform of the United States Armed Forces, building a noble tradition of faithful and dedicated service to our country, and that the freedoms we enjoy as Americans have been purchased and protected at an immeasurably high price, paid by those who have served and continue to serve in defense of liberty.”  A copy of the video presentation can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment, and on our meeting broadcast on our YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3mg8Z8wF-A.

 

Commissioner Tim Freeman presented proclamation certificates to U.S. Military Veterans, Veteran Service and Support Groups, and Military Family Members in attendance: Dan Loomis (US Army), Eric Bagwell (USAF & VDay Parade Chair), Jim Little (US Navy, DCVF, DCVAC), Carmen Little, Rick Sciapiti (US Army & Military Order of the Purple Heart), Bill Mixon (US Army), Bill Duncan (US Army & VVA President), Michael Kurtz (US Army), Neil Hummel (USMC), Frank Escalante (US Army & VVA Honor Guard), Mary Newman (DC Veterans Service Office), Ron Dukes (USAF, NCO & VVA Honor Guard), Cecilia McMillian (National Guard & AWVA President), Terry Rudolf (US Navy & VVA Honor Guard), Tom Davis (US Army & VVA); Steve Bennett (USAF and VFW Post 2468), Rusty Lininger (US Army & Source One Serenity), Elena Lininger (Source One Serenity), Jerry Anderson (US Navy, VAC & DCVF), Tyler Conners (US Coast Guard), Ken Wallace (Veteran), Michael Parent (Veteran), Gary Dove (Veteran), and Roger Boucock (US Army & VVA).  Veteran service groups and supporters represented were Douglas County Veterans Forum; Douglas County Veterans Advisory Committee; Douglas County Veterans Day Parade Committee; Douglas County Veterans Service Office; Vietnam Veterans of America – Chapter 805, Auxiliary & Honor Guard; American Legion Post 16 & 123 & Auxiliaries; Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 2468 & 4039 & Auxiliaries; Roseburg Veterans Administration; American Women Veterans Association; Non-Commissioned Officers Association; Military Order of the Purple Heart; Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs – Advisory Committee; Wreaths Across America – Douglas County; Source One Serenity; War Birds; and Military Honors by the Pipes.

 

“Thank you, Commissioners.  Recently, I have been reflecting on my time in the combat zone and what it was like to count on fellow soldiers around you.  When everything is coming down, you know you could depend on your band of brothers.  I can proudly say that comradery continues today with our local VVA, VFW’s and Legions.  VVA 805 continues to be my band of brothers and support system.  I can’t express enough thanks and gratitude for our local veteran community and how they continue to serve our veterans, our country, and our communities.” – Bill Duncan, U.S. Army Veteran and President, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 805. 

 

“I run a non-profit for veterans called Source One Serenity.  Our mission statement is to help veterans regain their purpose and to rebuild community.  Our primary activates center around outdoor activities because we believe in the healing power of nature and purpose driven projects like trail work and most recently building or rebuilding structures like the 1930’s Reynolds Shelter. We are grateful for the collaboration with the County for our composting site at the Glide Transfer Site.  We are really grateful for all the support from the County and especially the County Commissioners.” - Elena Lininger, Source One Serenity.  

 

“I was hoping you (Commissioners) would invite me up to the podium.  Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today.  I wanted to highlight the Non-Commissioned Officers Association’s medallion program.  Our group goes all around Douglas County presenting medallions to deserving veterans.  We do this work with the help of local veteran’s organizations and also with help from the Commissioner’s office.  The medallions serve to kickstart a movement to get all the awards, honors and commendations that veterans have received out of their drawers and start a legacy to tell their stories to future generations – so their service and sacrifice can be honored and never forgotten.” – Ron Dukes, USAF Veteran, VVA and Non-Commissioned Officers Association.

 

“Thank you, Commissioners, for this wonderful proclamation.  When I joined the Navy 65 years ago, the slogan was join the Navy and see the world.  And I did just that!  I got to be at the Cuban missile blockade and the Gulf of Tonkin at the start of the Vietnam War.  I got to see most of the countries in Europe and Asia and most every US State.  I often tell people that Douglas County is the best  part of the world that I have seen - the best place to be.  I often say that the “We Honor Veterans” sign on our county road signs should be gold plated – because they are truly golden.  I think of the Veterans War Memorial outside (Douglas County Courthouse), the Wreaths Across America event and the wonderful Veterans Day Parade and so many other events that the Commissioners here are actively involved in and that honor has to begin here.  I feel the Commissioners don’t get eh recognition you truly deserve.  Because this is absolutely the best part of the world.  Also, my wife has a hat that says, “Navy Wife, the hardest job in the Navy.”   That sentiment goes for the Army, Marine Corps and all the rest.  If it were not for them, we certainly would not have been able to serve as we did.  In the bible there is a statement about ultimate appreciation and thanks.  That is when the Lord says, “Well done thou good and faithful servant”.  And that is the way I feel towards this Board of Commissioners – Well Done thou Good and Faithful Servants.” - Jim Little, US Navy Retired, Douglas County Veterans Forum, Douglas County Veterans Advisory Committee and ODVA Committee member. 

 

The 70th Annual Douglas County Veterans Day Parade is scheduled to take place in downtown Roseburg on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, beginning at 11:00 am.  The Douglas County Veterans Day Parade has a long-standing tradition of honoring our veterans on the Veterans Day Holiday and has been held in Roseburg every single year since 1955. The worthy and steadfast tradition has a well-earned title as “Oregon’s Greatest Veterans Day Parade.”  The theme for the 2025 Douglas County Veterans Day parade will be “1775–2025: 250 Years of Military Excellence.”

 

            The 70th Annual Douglas County Veterans Day Parade will follow the traditional route through downtown Roseburg starting on the corner of NE Fowler Street and NE Diamond Lake Blvd, turning left onto NE Jackson Street, which becomes SE Jackson Street, turning left onto SE Lane Street, left onto SE Main Street, right onto SE Douglas Avenue and concluding in front of the Douglas County Courthouse.  We encourage citizens to make sure they fill ALL spaces along the entire parade route (both sides of the street and sidewalks) to make sure that our participating veterans receive ample accolades for their dedicated service to our county as they move along the parade route. Douglas County Veterans Day Parade applications can be downloaded from the county website here or picked up in the Douglas County Veterans Service Office (VSO) at the Douglas County Courthouse located at 1036 SE Douglas Avenue in Roseburg.  Applications can be returned to the VSO or the Douglas County Clerk’s Office.  The parade application deadline is Friday, October 31, 2025, for those that want their entry to be judged. 

 

Additionally, Eric Bagwell, Chair of the Douglas County Veterans Day Parade Committee announced that the 70th Annual Douglas County Veterans Day Parade was be nationally recognized once again this year, as one of only 56 regional Veterans Day parade sites selected as the Top 2024 Veterans Day Observances Across the United States, by the National Veterans Day Committee.  This is the 70th year that the Douglas County Veterans Day Parade has been awarded this honor.

 

“Thank you, veterans for all you do!  It is an honor to serve you.  I feel like you have included me in a lot of your activities, and I feel grateful for that and the chance to give back.  I am excited to hear about the rebuilding of the Reynolds Shelter from Source One Serenity.  Also, as an avid adventurer, if I can take veterans fishing or hunting, I’d love to do it.  So, put me on your volunteer list.  Wreaths Across America is coming fast.  We are excited about it, and we reached our benchmark again for fundraising – so there will be a wreath on every veteran’s grave.” – Commissioner Chris Boice. 

 

“It’s always a great day when we get to honor veterans.  You all come out in force for everything you do, whether community projects or to support veterans.  We appreciate you and all you do for veterans and our community.” - Commissioner Tom Kress. 

 

“I want to conclude today’s proclamation with something brief and meaningful.  (Veterans) thank you for your service and welcome home!” – Commissioner, Board Chair & Douglas County Veteran Service Office liaison, Tim Freeman.

 

In addition to the proclamation, the Commissioners are proud to announce that Douglas County will once again be participating in Operation Green Light.  During the month of November - Veterans and Military Families Month - the front of the Douglas County Courthouse will be illuminated with green lights to show our appreciation and support for veterans and their families.  We encourage everyone to shine a light of hope and support for veterans by placing a green light on their porch or outside light fixture.   The green lights on the courthouse will remain on display through the end of November.  Along with the proclamation this gesture provides credence of our commitment to our county motto, “In Douglas County, We Honor Veterans!”

 

Please join us in honoring our veterans, today, every day, and especially throughout the month of November. We invite you to celebrate with us on Veterans Day and at the 70th Annual Douglas County Veterans Day Parade in downtown Roseburg on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.  For more information about the parade, please click the link here.  The proclamation presented today serves as a reminder for all citizens to recognize the valor, courage, and sacrifice of these patriots and their families. It is also a time to reaffirm our commitment to preserving the liberties guaranteed to us under the Constitution of the United States.

###

 

Media Contact:     Tamara Howell, Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist, Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

 

Proclamation Attached. Photos © K.Tate/Douglas County. Individual photos are available upon request.

Attached Media Files: 10-29-25 Veterans Day Proclamation2.png, 10-29-25 Veterans Day Proclamation Signed.jpg,

10-29-25 Commissioners Issue Proclamation Honoring Veterans, Veterans Day And Military Families Month (Photo) - 10/29/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 29, 2025

 

Commissioners Issue Proclamation Honoring Veterans, Veterans Day and Military Families Month

 

(Douglas County, Oregon) – The Douglas County Board of Commissioners issued a proclamation today, Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at the Weekly Business Meeting calling upon all citizens of Douglas County to celebrate and honor Veterans and Military Families Month.  The proclamation also recognized and invited residents to honor all veterans on Veterans Day and attend the 70th Annual Douglas County Veterans Day Parade.  Commissioner & Board Chair Tim Freeman welcomed everyone to the meeting and said, “What a great turn out!  It is always a great day when we get to recognize our Veteran community.”  Commissioner Chirs Boice presented the proclamation, on behalf of the Board and acknowledged that, “throughout our nation’s history, courageous men and women have donned the uniform of the United States Armed Forces, building a noble tradition of faithful and dedicated service to our country, and that the freedoms we enjoy as Americans have been purchased and protected at an immeasurably high price, paid by those who have served and continue to serve in defense of liberty.”  A copy of the video presentation can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment, and on our meeting broadcast on our YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3mg8Z8wF-A.

 

Commissioner Tim Freeman presented proclamation certificates to U.S. Military Veterans, Veteran Service and Support Groups, and Military Family Members in attendance: Dan Loomis (US Army), Eric Bagwell (USAF & VDay Parade Chair), Jim Little (US Navy, DCVF, DCVAC), Carmen Little, Rick Sciapiti (US Army & Military Order of the Purple Heart), Bill Mixon (US Army), Bill Duncan (US Army & VVA President), Michael Kurtz (US Army), Neil Hummel (USMC), Frank Escalante (US Army & VVA Honor Guard), Mary Newman (DC Veterans Service Office), Ron Dukes (USAF, NCO & VVA Honor Guard), Cecilia McMillian (National Guard & AWVA President), Terry Rudolf (US Navy & VVA Honor Guard), Tom Davis (US Army & VVA); Steve Bennett (USAF and VFW Post 2468), Rusty Lininger (US Army & Source One Serenity), Elena Lininger (Source One Serenity), Jerry Anderson (US Navy, VAC & DCVF), Tyler Conners (US Coast Guard), Ken Wallace (Veteran), Michael Parent (Veteran), Gary Dove (Veteran), and Roger Boucock (US Army & VVA).  Veteran service groups and supporters represented were Douglas County Veterans Forum; Douglas County Veterans Advisory Committee; Douglas County Veterans Day Parade Committee; Douglas County Veterans Service Office; Vietnam Veterans of America – Chapter 805, Auxiliary & Honor Guard; American Legion Post 16 & 123 & Auxiliaries; Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 2468 & 4039 & Auxiliaries; Roseburg Veterans Administration; American Women Veterans Association; Non-Commissioned Officers Association; Military Order of the Purple Heart; Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs – Advisory Committee; Wreaths Across America – Douglas County; Source One Serenity; War Birds; and Military Honors by the Pipes.

 

“Thank you, Commissioners.  Recently, I have been reflecting on my time in the combat zone and what it was like to count on fellow soldiers around you.  When everything is coming down, you know you could depend on your band of brothers.  I can proudly say that comradery continues today with our local VVA, VFW’s and Legions.  VVA 805 continues to be my band of brothers and support system.  I can’t express enough thanks and gratitude for our local veteran community and how they continue to serve our veterans, our country, and our communities.” – Bill Duncan, U.S. Army Veteran and President, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 805. 

 

“I run a non-profit for veterans called Source One Serenity.  Our mission statement is to help veterans regain their purpose and to rebuild community.  Our primary activates center around outdoor activities because we believe in the healing power of nature and purpose driven projects like trail work and most recently building or rebuilding structures like the 1930’s Reynolds Shelter. We are grateful for the collaboration with the County for our composting site at the Glide Transfer Site.  We are really grateful for all the support from the County and especially the County Commissioners.” - Elena Lininger, Source One Serenity.  

 

“I was hoping you (Commissioners) would invite me up to the podium.  Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today.  I wanted to highlight the Non-Commissioned Officers Association’s medallion program.  Our group goes all around Douglas County presenting medallions to deserving veterans.  We do this work with the help of local veteran’s organizations and also with help from the Commissioner’s office.  The medallions serve to kickstart a movement to get all the awards, honors and commendations that veterans have received out of their drawers and start a legacy to tell their stories to future generations – so their service and sacrifice can be honored and never forgotten.” – Ron Dukes, USAF Veteran, VVA and Non-Commissioned Officers Association.

 

“Thank you, Commissioners, for this wonderful proclamation.  When I joined the Navy 65 years ago, the slogan was join the Navy and see the world.  And I did just that!  I got to be at the Cuban missile blockade and the Gulf of Tonkin at the start of the Vietnam War.  I got to see most of the countries in Europe and Asia and most every US State.  I often tell people that Douglas County is the best  part of the world that I have seen - the best place to be.  I often say that the “We Honor Veterans” sign on our county road signs should be gold plated – because they are truly golden.  I think of the Veterans War Memorial outside (Douglas County Courthouse), the Wreaths Across America event and the wonderful Veterans Day Parade and so many other events that the Commissioners here are actively involved in and that honor has to begin here.  I feel the Commissioners don’t get eh recognition you truly deserve.  Because this is absolutely the best part of the world.  Also, my wife has a hat that says, “Navy Wife, the hardest job in the Navy.”   That sentiment goes for the Army, Marine Corps and all the rest.  If it were not for them, we certainly would not have been able to serve as we did.  In the bible there is a statement about ultimate appreciation and thanks.  That is when the Lord says, “Well done thou good and faithful servant”.  And that is the way I feel towards this Board of Commissioners – Well Done thou Good and Faithful Servants.” - Jim Little, US Navy Retired, Douglas County Veterans Forum, Douglas County Veterans Advisory Committee and ODVA Committee member. 

 

The 70th Annual Douglas County Veterans Day Parade is scheduled to take place in downtown Roseburg on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, beginning at 11:00 am.  The Douglas County Veterans Day Parade has a long-standing tradition of honoring our veterans on the Veterans Day Holiday and has been held in Roseburg every single year since 1955. The worthy and steadfast tradition has a well-earned title as “Oregon’s Greatest Veterans Day Parade.”  The theme for the 2025 Douglas County Veterans Day parade will be “1775–2025: 250 Years of Military Excellence.”

 

            The 70th Annual Douglas County Veterans Day Parade will follow the traditional route through downtown Roseburg starting on the corner of NE Fowler Street and NE Diamond Lake Blvd, turning left onto NE Jackson Street, which becomes SE Jackson Street, turning left onto SE Lane Street, left onto SE Main Street, right onto SE Douglas Avenue and concluding in front of the Douglas County Courthouse.  We encourage citizens to make sure they fill ALL spaces along the entire parade route (both sides of the street and sidewalks) to make sure that our participating veterans receive ample accolades for their dedicated service to our county as they move along the parade route. Douglas County Veterans Day Parade applications can be downloaded from the county website here or picked up in the Douglas County Veterans Service Office (VSO) at the Douglas County Courthouse located at 1036 SE Douglas Avenue in Roseburg.  Applications can be returned to the VSO or the Douglas County Clerk’s Office.  The parade application deadline is Friday, October 31, 2025, for those that want their entry to be judged. 

 

Additionally, Eric Bagwell, Chair of the Douglas County Veterans Day Parade Committee announced that the 70th Annual Douglas County Veterans Day Parade was be nationally recognized once again this year, as one of only 56 regional Veterans Day parade sites selected as the Top 2024 Veterans Day Observances Across the United States, by the National Veterans Day Committee.  This is the 70th year that the Douglas County Veterans Day Parade has been awarded this honor.

 

“Thank you, veterans for all you do!  It is an honor to serve you.  I feel like you have included me in a lot of your activities, and I feel grateful for that and the chance to give back.  I am excited to hear about the rebuilding of the Reynolds Shelter from Source One Serenity.  Also, as an avid adventurer, if I can take veterans fishing or hunting, I’d love to do it.  So, put me on your volunteer list.  Wreaths Across America is coming fast.  We are excited about it, and we reached our benchmark again for fundraising – so there will be a wreath on every veteran’s grave.” – Commissioner Chris Boice. 

 

“It’s always a great day when we get to honor veterans.  You all come out in force for everything you do, whether community projects or to support veterans.  We appreciate you and all you do for veterans and our community.” - Commissioner Tom Kress. 

 

“I want to conclude today’s proclamation with something brief and meaningful.  (Veterans) thank you for your service and welcome home!” – Commissioner, Board Chair & Douglas County Veteran Service Office liaison, Tim Freeman.

 

In addition to the proclamation, the Commissioners are proud to announce that Douglas County will once again be participating in Operation Green Light.  During the month of November - Veterans and Military Families Month - the front of the Douglas County Courthouse will be illuminated with green lights to show our appreciation and support for veterans and their families.  We encourage everyone to shine a light of hope and support for veterans by placing a green light on their porch or outside light fixture.   The green lights on the courthouse will remain on display through the end of November.  Along with the proclamation this gesture provides credence of our commitment to our county motto, “In Douglas County, We Honor Veterans!”

 

Please join us in honoring our veterans, today, every day, and especially throughout the month of November. We invite you to celebrate with us on Veterans Day and at the 70th Annual Douglas County Veterans Day Parade in downtown Roseburg on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.  For more information about the parade, please click the link here.  The proclamation presented today serves as a reminder for all citizens to recognize the valor, courage, and sacrifice of these patriots and their families. It is also a time to reaffirm our commitment to preserving the liberties guaranteed to us under the Constitution of the United States.

###

 

Media Contact:     Tamara Howell, Douglas County Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist, Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howell@douglascountyor.gov

 

Proclamation Attached. Photos © K.Tate/Douglas County. Individual photos are available upon request.

Attached Media Files: 10-29-25 Veterans Day Proclamation2.png, 10-29-25 Veterans Day Proclamation Signed.jpg,