MEDFORD, Ore. (Sep. 11, 2026) — Oregon National Guard members and public safety personnel across the state gathered Thursday to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, honoring the nearly 3,000 people who died and the first responders and others who moved toward danger to help those in need.
Ceremonies were held throughout Oregon, including 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.
In Medford, public safety partners from across the Rogue Valley gathered at Rogue Valley Manor for the area’s annual September 11 Memorial Stair Climb.
The Sept. 11 attacks killed 2,977 people, including passengers and crew members aboard the four hijacked aircraft and people at the World Trade Center and Pentagon. The anniversary also honors those who died in the wars and military operations that followed.
At the Salem ceremony, Oregon National Guard State Chaplain Chaplain (Col.) Jacob Scott delivered the invocation, asking for comfort, shelter and protection as those gathered remembered the shock and sorrow experienced by Americans 25 years ago.
Brig. Gen. David N. Unruh, Air Component Commander for the Oregon National Guard, said the anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the significance of the attacks and their lasting impact.
“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 those killed in New York City, at the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania, where passengers aboard United Airlines Flight 93 fought back against the hijackers before the plane crashed in a rural area.
“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 Salem ceremony.
Scott encouraged those attending to carry forward the example set by first responders and others who moved toward danger to help others.
“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.”
He connected that message to opportunities to serve others in communities 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 Salem 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.”
In Gresham, the 9/11 Honor and Remember Gold Star Families’ Memorial ceremony featured a commemorative display of 300 Honor and Remember Flags at Microchip Technologies.
Oregon Army National Guard Sgt. Scott Steele performed “TAPS,” followed by an opening prayer from Chaplain (Capt.) Wes Moldogo.
Moldogo noted that the attacks changed the nation and had a lasting impact on military families.
“Especially for our Gold Star families: the parents, spouses, children, siblings, and loved ones that carry both the profound pride and the enduring sorrow,” Moldogo said.
Greg Matthews, a retired Gresham Fire Department chief and former Oregon House representative, served as master of ceremonies and introduced Oregon Air National Guard Col. Ryan Barton, deputy commander of the Oregon Joint Domestic Operations Command.
Barton reflected on the actions of first responders who moved toward the danger as others sought safety.
“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. “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.”
In Medford, the annual Memorial Stair Climb brought together public safety partners from throughout the Rogue Valley to remember the first responders who climbed the stairs of the World Trade Center towers on Sept. 11, 2001.
Chief Thompson reflected on the responsibility to preserve the stories and lessons of that day for future generations.
“We climb to remember the direction they chose. While others moved toward safety, first responders moved toward danger. They answered the call because people needed help,” Thompson said.
Participants this year received a commemorative coin bearing the message, “Never Forget. Honor Through Action.”
Organizers said the message reflects the way the Rogue Valley’s public safety community seeks to honor those who died — through preparation, supporting one another, building relationships and serving local communities.
The Medford ceremony continued a tradition hosted by Rogue Valley Manor and supported by public safety partners from throughout the region.
Twenty-five years after the attacks, ceremonies across Oregon served as reminders of the lives lost, the sacrifices made by first responders and military personnel, and the responsibility of subsequent generations to remember.
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