Veterans have given their lives to serving our country and have made many sacrifices along the way. With Veterans Day just around the corner on November 11th, many events and celebrations in Portland will honor its local veterans. We’ve compiled a list of events and activities which will allow you to commemorate the work and support your family, friends, and neighbors who have dedicated their lives to service in Portland this coming Veterans Day and beyond.
#1 Portland Veterans Day Parade
Established in 1974 by Vernon E. Ross – the proprietor of Ross Hollywood Funeral Chapel – Portland’s Veterans Day parade honors all past and present veterans. Organized by kind volunteers and generous sponsors, this parade offers a way to give back to veterans.
There is no better way to commemorate our veterans than by offering your time and energy to celebrate their dedication and service. If you are interested in learning more about the parade or signing up as a volunteer, pay a visit to their website today. The parade begins at 10 am on November 11th.
#2 2022 Veterans Day Dinner
Are you looking for a fun way to spend your evening on Veterans Day? Over at the Pacific Northwest Carpenters Institute, you and about 120 others can join together for a festive dinner party to celebrate local veterans. This event will feature the Labor Commissioner and Director of BOLI as guest speakers and offers a lucrative way for veterans, active duty service members, and their families to gather together, get to know each other, and celebrate.
#3 Oregon Zoo Veterans Day
Are you an animal lover? The Oregon Zoo is offering free admission on November 11th for military members, veterans, and their families to enjoy. Admission to the park includes up to six tickets per active duty member or veteran, with reservations beginning on November 2nd.
Tickets must be booked online with a veteran ID, discharge papers, or military ID for verification purposes. It can be an opportunity to spend some quality time with family and friends on this special occasion.
#4 National Veterans Day Run
Are you looking for an adrenaline rush? The National Veterans Day Run is being hosted on November 12th for all runners to participate and honor veterans through some physical exertion. It is an opportunity for everyone in the community to come together over a shared passion and activity, so be sure to sign up before it is too late!
If interested, head to the race entry page to create an account and register for the event. You can also check out any other races or running events throughout the rest of the year.
#5 Veteran Entrepreneurship, Re-Boot
Do you have any veteran family members or friends that are thinking about starting a business or are already trying to grow one? Boots to Business Reboot is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by the U.S. Small Businesses Administration to provide insight and overview into entrepreneurship and business fundamentals. The Veteran Entrepreneurship, Re-Boot is geared towards veterans specifically, so be sure to let your family and friends know about it!
Veteran Entrepreneurship, Re-Boot
#6 Free Entrance Days in the National Parks
One of the many ways the country honors its veterans is by offering free admission to National Parks. On Select days throughout the year, including Veteran’s day, the National Park Services offers free entry to all visitors for a chance to spend time outdoors together as a family on a national holiday.
Furthermore, veterans, military members, and Gold Star families can receive free access to more than 2,000 parks, wildlife reserves, and other federal grounds year-round with the free annual interagency military pass.
Free Entrance Days in the National Parks
#7 Buy from Veteran-Owned Businesses
Another way you can help out your local veterans on Veterans Day and year-round is by shopping at a veteran-owned business. Loving Brew Coffee is a specialty coffee company that offers fresh, small-batch, and single-origin coffee sourced from all over the world. They partner directly with coffee roasters to provide high-quality roasts and ship them directly to their customers.
If you are a coffee lover, consider giving them your business as you would not be disappointed. Buying from them is a fantastic way to show your love and support towards a veteran-owned business and help them thrive.
#8 Volunteer at Portland VA Medical Center
Volunteering at a Veterans Affairs Medical facility is one of the best ways to serve your community and local veterans. The Portland VA Medical Center is where veterans can receive medical care and treatment. They offer a variety of ways to contribute as volunteers by acting as van drivers for outpatients who need help getting home after receiving treatment for chemotherapy, dialysis, radiation therapy, and other appointments.
You can work as an office assistant to help with different medical or administrative offices in the medical center by filing, answering the phone, and greeting and directing patients. The Portland VA is always in need of volunteer assistance and offers an opportunity to give back to veterans who have sacrificed for their nation.
Volunteer at Portland VA Medical Center
#9 2022 Veterans Day 1M 5K 10K
Last but not least, the 2022 Veterans Day 1M, 5K, and 10K races are a fun way for the community to come together and show gratitude for veterans and active duty service members. Registration for the race costs $18, but if you sign up early, you can register for just $16. They welcome people of all ages, meaning families can enjoy the races together.
There is also the option to run (or walk) virtually from any location you choose, whether it is on the sidewalk near your home, on a treadmill, or at your favorite race track. Fifteen percent of the proceeds will go to DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Charitable Service Trust – a program that provides physical and psychological rehabilitation to veterans in addition to direct service for the ill, injured, and wounded.
Portland is hosting several events to honor local veterans, but there are abundant opportunities year-round to show gratitude. Consider joining in on any of these events, volunteering at the Veterans Affairs, or shopping at veteran-owned businesses this Veterans Day to give back to those who have sacrificed for this nation.
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