On this day in history, May 30, 1868, the first Decoration Day —
a precursor to Memorial Day — was celebrated.
Originally known as Decoration Day, from early traditions of
decorating graves with flags, flowers and wreaths, Memorial
Day is a day for remembrance to honor those who have died
in service to our country.
PORTLAND, Ore. — The 142nd Wing of the Oregon Air National
Guard will conduct flyovers for Memorial Day, part of a time-
honored tradition to pay tribute to fallen military members.
The pilots are scheduled to fly over several cities across the
region as part of a roughly 45-minute flight over the state.
First observed on 20 May 1950, Armed Forces Day was
created on 31 August 1949 as President Harry S. Truman
led the effort to establish a single holiday for citizens to
come together and thank military members for their
patriotic service in support of the republic and national
interests and as a undeniable fact of American life.
President Truman (center) making Armed Forces Day
official.
President Harry S. Truman attending the Armed Forces Day Parade in 1952.
SALEM, Ore. — Gov. Tina Kotek has awarded the Law
Enforcement Medal of Ultimate Sacrifice to fallen Nyssa
police officer Cpl. Joseph Johnson.
The award will be presented to Johnson’s family at his
memorial service today.
Johnson was shot and killed while on patrol last Saturday
night in the eastern Oregon town of Nyssa.
Gov. Tina Kotek
