Oregon National Guard Marks 25th Anniversary Of September 11th Terrorist Attacks (Photo) - 09/11/26
SALEM, Ore. — Oregon National Guard members joined ceremonies throughout the state on Sept. 11, 2026, to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Events were held at the Major General George A. White Building in Salem, the 9/11 Honor and Remember Gold Star Families’ Memorial at Microchip Technologies in Gresham, and the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Autzen Stadium in Eugene.
On September 11, 2001, a total of 2,977 individuals lost their lives, including all 246 passengers and crew members, as well as the 19 hijackers, aboard the four aircraft involved in the attacks. The 25th anniversary commemorated these events by bringing together Oregon Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen to honor those who died in the immediate aftermath and during subsequent military operations.
At the Salem ceremony, Chaplain (Col.) Jacob Scott, Oregon National Guard state chaplain, delivered the invocation. He asked for comfort, shelter, and protection while remembering the shock and sorrow Americans experienced 25 years ago.
Brig. Gen. David N. Unruh, Air Component Commander, Oregon National Guard, spoke about the importance of remembering September 11 and the perspective it provides today.
“We couldn't just let today go by unmarked like any other,” Unruh said. “Remembrance helps us make meaning of our own lives.”
Unruh reflected on the lives lost in New York City, at the Pentagon and in rural Pennsylvania, where passengers aboard Flight 93 fought back against the hijackers.
“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.”
Oregon Army National Guard Russell Gibson, Assistant Adjutant General, also delivered remarks during the ceremony.
Scott encouraged those gathered to carry forward the example of the first responders and others who moved toward danger to help people 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 connected their example to opportunities to serve others today.
“Take the next step. We do what's right,” Scott said. “If we do that, we'll honor those who died on 9/11 and those heroes who went before us.”
The ceremony included a moment of silence for those killed in the attacks. The Oregon Army National Guard's 234th Army Band performed “God Bless America,” followed by the sounding of “TAPS.”
During the 9/11 Honor and Remember Gold Star Families’ Memorial ceremony in Gresham, Oregon, Army National Guard Sgt. Scott Steele performed “TAPS” at a commemorative display of 300 “Honor and Remember Flags” at Microchip Technologies, followed by Chaplain (Capt.) Wes Moldogo, who provided the opening prayer, saying that 9/11 changed our nation forever and impacted countless military families in the years to follow.
“Especially for our Gold Star families: the parents, spouses, children, siblings, and loved ones that carry both the profound pride and the enduring sorrow.”
As the Master of Ceremonies, Greg Matthews, a retired Gresham Fire Department Chief and former Oregon House of Representatives member who represented District 50 from 2009 to 2015, introduced Oregon Air National Guard Col. Ryan Barton, who serves as the deputy commander of the Oregon Joint Domestic Operations Command.
“Colonel Barton manages the day-to-day administration, planning, and execution of all the processes and programs preparing the Oregon National Guard for continued operations in either federal or state emergencies, including mandates and natural disasters," Matthews said.
“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, remembering the events of twenty-five years ago. “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.”
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Released Images:
260911-Z-FS713-001: From right, Brig. Gen. David N. Unruh, Col. Russell Gibson and Chaplain (Col.) Jacob Scott salute during the national anthem at the Oregon National Guard’s Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony at the Maj. Gen. George White Building in Salem, Oregon, Sept. 11, 2026. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt 1st Class Cory Grogan)
260911-Z-FS713-002: Brig. Gen. David N. Unruh delivers remarks during the Oregon National Guard’s Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony as the U.S. flag flies at half-staff in the background at the Maj. Gen. George White Building in Salem, Oregon, Sept. 11, 2026. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Cory Grogan)
260911-Z-FS713-003: Col. Russell Gibson, assistant adjutant general, Oregon National Guard, delivers remarks during a 9/11 remembrance ceremony in Salem, Oregon, Sept. 11, 2026. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Cory Grogan)
260911-Z-FS713-004: Attendees face the U.S. and Oregon flags during the playing of “Taps” at a 9/11 remembrance ceremony in Salem, Oregon, Sept. 11, 2026. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Cory Grogan)
260911-Z-CH590-1348: Oregon Air National Guard Col. Ryan Barton, deputy commander of the Oregon Joint Domestic Operations Command, delivers commemorative remarks at the 9/11 Honor and Remember Gold Star Families’ Memorial ceremony at Microchip Technologies in Gresham, Oregon, on September 11, 2026. Members of the Oregon National Guard participated in the Gresham event and other 9/11 memorial observances statewide to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks at the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)
260911-Z-CH590-1248: Oregon Army National Guard Sergeant Scott Steele performed TAPS during the 9/11 Honor and Remember Gold Star Families’ Memorial ceremony at Microchip Technologies in Gresham, Oregon, on September 11, 2026. Members of the Oregon National Guard participated in the Gresham ceremony and other 9/11 memorial observances across the state to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks at the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)
260911-Z-CH590-1298: Oregon Army National Guard Chaplain (Capt.) Wes Moldogo delivers the opening prayer at the 9/11 Honor and Remember Gold Star Families’ Memorial ceremony at Microchip Technologies in Gresham, Oregon, on September 11, 2026. Members of the Oregon National Guard participated in the Gresham event and other 9/11 memorial observances statewide to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks at the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)
260911-Z-CH590-1230: A Veterans of Foreign Wars Color Guard participates in the 9/11 Honor and Remember Gold Star Families’ Memorial ceremony at Microchip Technologies in Gresham, Oregon, on September 11, 2026. Members of the Oregon National Guard participated in the Gresham event and other 9/11 memorial observances statewide to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks at the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. (Oregon National Guard photo by John Hughel)
Additional photos from the ceremony are available on the Oregon Military Department Flickr: View the Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony photo album
