Find your way
to the Celebration of Honor in Lincoln City
By Gwyneth Gibby
For the TODAY
Honoring active-duty military service members, veterans and their families is a Chinook Winds Casino Resort tradition. For more than two decades the resort, owned and operated by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, has proudly hosted the annual Celebration of Honor, taking place this year from Wednesday, Sept. 9 through Sunday, Sept. 13.
In front of the casino for public outdoor viewing, the celebration includes the Vietnam Veterans of America 805 Oregon Veteran wall, an array of vintage and current day military vehicles provided by the American Infantry Soldier Group, as well as a display of military flags.
Also on view will be the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans 2001-2021 Wall of Honor provided by Albany Vets Helping Vets HQ. The Wall of Honor commemorates the more than 7,000 servicemembers who lost their lives in the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. It has inspired donations to the organization which is staffed entirely by volunteers, as well as educating school-age kids on the sacrifices made by those who serve their country.
“This wall has really helped by establishing a contact with veterans,” said Vets Helping Vets volunteer Pat Mastenbrook. “Many veterans are either unaware of benefits they are entitled to or are reluctant to ask for help. The message Vets Helping Vets wants to send is, ‘You’re not alone.’”
Chinook Winds brings back the veteran services tent this year on Friday from 10 am to 4 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm.
As a special benefit, from Wednesday through Sunday, veterans and active-duty personnel may swipe their Winners Circle cards at any Chinook Winds kiosk to receive a free dining voucher valid through Sept. 13. Winners Circle membership is required to pick up a voucher.
Vets and active-duty service members who are movie fans can also get free tickets and popcorn at the Historic Bijou Theatre from Wednesday, Sept. 9, through Thursday, Sept. 17. Films showing at the theater are “Tony” through September 10, followed by “Practical Magic 2” playing September 11 through 13. Just show your military ID for this additional thank you for your service.
On Saturday, the Lincoln City Kiwanis Parade of Flags will line the streets of Lincoln City with flags to celebrate the week-long dedication. At 2 pm, a ceremony will take place in front of the casino to honor those men and women who lost their lives during Operation Desert Storm.
Chinook Winds Casino Resort is located at 1777 NW 44th Street in Lincoln City. For more information, go to chinookwindscasino.com or call 888- 244-6665.