Events in Salem honor, support military veterans

Armed Forces Day is traditionally celebrated the third Saturday of May. It was created in 1949 to thank our military members for their patriotic service and declared a national holiday by President John F. Kennedy in 1961.

The actual day of commemoration coincides with the Veterans March on America, which is a nationwide event showing support for veterans’ rights.

The local march is from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at the Oregon State Capitol. Veterans and supporters are invited to gather before 4 p.m. at Willson Park on the Capitol grounds and then march as a group around the statehouse via Court, State and Waverly streets.