Oregon National Guard marks the 25th Anniversary of the September 11th Terrorist Attacks
Oregon National Guard members joined ceremonies across 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, at 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. In remembrance of the 25th anniversary, Oregon Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen came together to honor those who died in the immediate aftermath and during subsequent military operations.
Oregon National Guardsmen gather in Salem
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.”
In addition, Oregon Army National Guard Assistant Adjutant General Russell Gibson 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 then 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.”
Honor and Remember Flags memorializes 9/11 Gold Star Families
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 who carry both the profound pride and the enduring sorrow,” Moldogo said.
Gold Star Families are the loved ones of those who gave their lives while serving in the U.S. military. The practice dates back to World War I. Back then, families of those serving would display a blue star. If that service member died, a gold star was emblazoned on top.
The display and ceremony honored local Oregonians and Washingtonians who died after 9/11 during the U.S.-led global counterterrorism campaign. Organized by Kelly Broomall, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, the tribute featured 300 flags, each honoring a specific service member and displaying their name with a yellow ribbon.
“There were people like Kelly who had an idea a few years after 9/11, and this is what it became,” said Greg Matthews, a retired Gresham Fire Department Chief, a former Oregon House Representative (District 50), and volunteer staff member at Camp Rosenbaum.
As master of ceremonies, Greg Matthews introduced Oregon Air National Guard Col. Ryan Barton, deputy commander of the Oregon Joint Domestic Operations Command.
“Colonel Barton manages the day-to-day administration, planning, and execution of all processes and programs that prepare the Oregon National Guard for continued operations during federal or state emergencies, including mandates and natural disasters.”
Speaking about the events of twenty-five years ago, Barton 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. 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.”
George Lutz, a Gold Star father who lost his son, Corporal Tony Lutz, in Iraq on December 29, 2005, created the Honor and Remember Flag, which is now on display. The Flag was unveiled in 2008. Oregon is the only West Coast state to have officially adopted it. Inspired by the events of September 11, Corporal Lutz joined the U.S. Army in 2004.
“I was worried when he joined the military, but he told me, ‘Dad, I think I can make a difference,’” Lutz said. “What I have heard from hundreds of Gold Star families across the country — they don’t want their loved ones to be forgotten.”
Following Lutz's remarks, family members remembered Army Sergeant Brennan Gibson, who was killed when an IED exploded near the Humvee in Baghdad, Iraq.
“In a single moment, the future we had imagined was gone,” said Linda Gibson, Brennan’s mother. “Even now twenty years later, there are still moments when we feel like we did when we first received that call.”
Sgt. Gibson was assigned to the 509th Infantry (Airborne), 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, and deployed on October 5, 2006, just after his son was born. He had only been deployed for 69 days when he died on December 10. Like so many others, watching the horrific terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, spurred Gibson to action and to join after graduating from Oregon State University in 2003.
“This year marks twenty years since we lost Brendan. As I reflect on this milestone, I do so with tears and thoughts of all the moments Brendan never had. His son was born two days before his deployment. He never had the chance to see the wonderful young man he has become. He looks remarkably like his father, even the same gestures and mannerisms. Beautifully, God has a sense of humor.”
9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Autzen Stadium
As a growing tradition among Oregon National Guardsmen, nearly 40 Citizen-Soldiers and family members took part in the Stair Climb Memorial, held at Autzen Stadium at the University of Oregon. For the second year in a row, Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Oregon's Adjutant General, also took part in the memorial event.
The stair-climbing event wasn't timed, but many participants were firefighters in full protective gear or soldiers carrying heavy backpacks, pushing themselves to face the day's tough challenges. The groups moved up and down the stairway aisles, cheering each other on.
The highest floor reached by first responders on the morning of September 11, 2001, was the 78th floor, and when the climbers reached that number, they each took turns ringing a fire bell as a fitting tribute while they continued around the football stadium. In total, participants climbed the same height as 110 stories, matching the fallen Twin Towers, where many FDNY firefighters tried to climb to rescue people trapped in the two burning skyscrapers.
Twenty-five years later, the Oregon National Guard continues to remember those who were lost and to honor the courage and service shown on September 11 and in its aftermath by those answering the call to service.
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