09/11/2026
This morning, we had the profound honor of attending the 9/11 Honor and Remember Gold Star Families Memorial Ceremony at the Microchip Technology plant in Gresham.
On this 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, we gathered not only to remember a day that forever changed our nation, but to honor the lives, sacrifices, families, and stories that must never be forgotten.
Walking through the field of approximately 300 Honor and Remember flags was incredibly moving. Each flag bears the name of a fallen Oregonian or Washingtonian; a son or daughter, husband or wife, father or mother, brother or sister, friend and fellow American who gave their all in service to our country.
Behind every flag is a name. Behind every name is a life. And behind every life is a family who carries their memory forward.
We are especially grateful to the Gold Star Spouses of America, Gold Star Families, and everyone who helped make this beautiful and meaningful ceremony possible.
We also want to recognize our longtime volunteer, supporter, and dear member of our community, Kelly Broomall . Kelly has played an extraordinary role in creating and overseeing this memorial and remembrance events in Gresham for many years. His dedication to ensuring that these heroes are remembered is something we deeply admire. Kelly, we are incredibly grateful for all you have given to this community and proud to have you as part of ours.
To every volunteer and supporter who gave their time and energy, from preparing the grounds to placing each individual flag with care, thank you. What you created is far more than a field of flags. It is a place of reflection, gratitude, remembrance, and love.
Today, we remember the nearly 3,000 lives taken on September 11, 2001. We honor the first responders who ran toward danger when others were running away, including those who have since lost their lives from 9/11-related illnesses. We remember the service members who answered our nation's call in the years that followed. And we hold close the Gold Star Families, military families, and 9/11 families who live every day with the absence of someone they love.
We encourage our community to visit this remarkable memorial while it remains on display at the Microchip Technology plant in Gresham through Sunday, September 13. Take some time to quietly walk among the flags. Read the names. Learn their stories. Reflect on their sacrifices.
May we never allow these names to become simply names on a flag.
May we speak them.
May we remember them.
May we honor the families who carry their legacies.
And may we always remember the courage, sacrifice, service, and unity that bind us together.
To those we lost on September 11, 2001, to our first responders, and to the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country:
We honor you.
We remember you.
We will never forget. 🇺🇸
