After a two-year absence, those wishing to honor fallen service members at Vancouver’s chief memorial event will be able to gather again at the Vancouver Barracks.
Vancouver’s annual Memorial Day Observance is free to the public and is to be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the bandstand at the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, 1501 E. Evergreen Blvd.
“The historic structures at the Vancouver Barracks hold invaluable stories of service, family, strength, and sacrifice,” said National Park Service Superintendent Tracy Fortmann in a statement. “The post is much more than just a collection of buildings; they are a visible reminder of our shared 19th and 20th century military history.”
Keynote speaker U.S. Air Force Col. Todd Hofford will deliver comments on the solemn holiday and Melissa Scholl-Bellah, a Gold Star spouse, will share special remarks. Additional speakers include Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle, Clark County Council Chair Karen Bowerman and Fortmann.
Boy Scout Troops 479 and 5479 will raise and lower the American flag, color guards will release doves, and the 204th Army Band will perform. Following the observance, there will be a wreath laying ceremony and a free lunch provided by the Vancouver Lions, Red Cross Cascades Region and the Military Officers Association of America.
Visitors can park at Hudson’s Bay High School or at the event site. C-Tran will shuttle attendees from the high school to the bandstand and back.
The Community Military Appreciation Committee is hosting the observance in partnership with the city of Vancouver, National Park Service, Waste Connections, local Boy Scouts and Young Marines.
In Battle Ground, there will be an observance at 11 a.m. dedicated to the 31 soldiers whose names are on the memorial wall at the Battle Ground Veterans Memorial in Kiwanis Park, 422 S.W. Second Ave.
The Department of Veterans Affairs Willamette National Cemetery will host presentations from featured speakers, a wreath laying ceremony, taps and rifle salute 10 a.m. at the grounds, 11800 S.E. Mt. Scott Blvd., Portland. This will be the first Memorial Day celebration at the cemetery since 2019.
