Rising together
Lincoln City celebration honors veterans and wildfire response
By Gretchen Ammerman
Oregon Coast TODAY
When the Echo Mountain wildfire broke out east of Chinook Winds Casino Resort, owned and operated by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, the managers immediately stepped up to offer hotel rooms to people who were being evacuated and even losing their homes.
It wasn’t too long, however, before the fire quickly leaped and spread westward, placing the resort squarely in its path and within the evacuation zone.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of those that fought the blaze, the resort is back open and able to host part of a modified version of the 17th annual Celebration of Honor, a public event spearheaded by the Tribe, honoring active-duty personnel, military veterans and their families, happening throughout Lincoln City from Wednesday, Sept. 23, through Saturday, Sept. 26.
Though the event has a different look this year due to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the added consequences of the fire, there will still be displays, giveaways and opportunities to thank and support both military personnel and first responders.
One big difference is that the Field of Flags will not fly this year, because the Angell Job Corps, which did most of the heavy lifting, is not currently operating.
“We don't have all of the young bodies to do all the hard work,” said Lincoln City veteran Roger Robertson. “Guys my age, we can only dream about being able to do what they do to get all those flags up.”
But Lincoln City Kiwanis Club won’t let the event happen without Old Glory present in some form. On Saturday, Sept. 26, the group will line the streets of Lincoln City with the Parade of Flags.
“We had a flag in the Field of Flags for the Robertsons: myself, my nephew and my two brothers,” Robertson said. “Now that both my brothers have passed away it has even more meaning, but the Kiwanis flags include one Agent Orange flag dedicated to my brother Lyle. He died from the effects of Agent Orange.”
On Friday, Sept. 25, Explore Lincoln City will celebrate virtually with a Facebook giveaway where five winners will receive a red, white and blue float, an oceanfront room and a custom face covering.
To safely honor the men and women on the Desert Storm Memorial for the annual memorial celebration, veterans will read the names at 2 pm on Saturday, Sept. 26, with a live video on the Chinook Winds Facebook page. This annual dedication is meant to not only honor those names on the wall, but all the men and women who lost their lives serving our country.
“I was in the army in the late ’60s and early ’70s doing armed forces radio in Germany,” Robertson said. “It was a pretty good duty, I lucked out. When the Vietnam memorial wall was here one year, I was drawn to the middle of the wall, which names people who all died during the time I served. I just lost it thinking of all those young lives lost.”
The Veteran Services tent, which gave vital information to veterans about where they could find local and national resources for support with issues including mental health and physical disabilities, will not be open this year due to social distancing concerns. Instead, a brochure of services available for veterans will be available for pick up at the casino. A video by the director of the Portland VA, Darwin Goodspeed, will be available on the Chinook Winds YouTube channel, Facebook and website throughout the week.
Visitors can easily socially distance while viewing the display of vintage and current military vehicles and military flags on display outdoors at the casino from Wednesday, Sept. 23 through Saturday, Sept. 26.
“There is a gentleman who has come the last couple of years and brings jeeps, tanks and a number of armored vehicles,” Robertson said. “It's pretty impressive, when all of the sudden you see a tank parked in front of the casino.”
New and existing Winners Circle members that are also veterans or active-duty personnel can stop by the Winners Circle from Wednesday, Sept. 23, through Wednesday, Sept. 30, to receive a free $15 dining voucher with proof of military service.
The Bijou Theatre is offering free popcorn to military personnel and their families as well as those affected by the Echo Mountain fire, including firefighters, law enforcement, and utility workers as a thank you for all of their hard work in fighting the fire, keeping everyone safe and restoring the landscape for return. Popcorn can be picked up at the theater, located at 1624 NW Hwy. 101, from Wednesday, Sept. 23, through Saturday, Sept. 26, from 6 to 7 pm.
Individuals, families, youth groups, businesses and organizations can become involved with the Celebration of Honor by hosting a fund-raiser; offering a special discount; decorating in red, white and blue; or simply thanking a veteran for their service. Whether it’s a big event or a small fundraiser, every effort contributes to make the 17th Celebration of Honor more meaningful and personal.
“This event is especially meaningful to me,” Robertson said. “I was on the ground floor when it started and it’s mushroomed over the years, but it wouldn't happen without the casino. For native veterans, in fact for all Native Americans, the warrior carries a special place, so we are in good company. This really is an important healing event for a lot of veterans.”
For more information, go to chinookwindscasino.com, or contact Heather Hatton at 541-996-5766 or heatherh@CWCResort.com.