Planned festivities in downtown Forest Grove to mark Veterans Day and the 250th birthday of the Army, Navy, and Marines have shrunk from a full street fair-style event on Main Street to a quieter celebration after the National Guard pulled out at the last minute, organizers say.
"The Oregon National Guard has been instructed by the Department of War to stand down and refrain from participating in any Veterans Day events," Dauntless Wine Co founder and owner Ben Martin said in a message posted to the company's Facebook page.
Dauntless, along with Forest Grove's 2-218th Field Artillery, the local American Legion post, the Downtown Association of Forest Grove, the Forest Grove/Cornelius Chamber of Commerce, Pacific University and the Forest Grove Veterans Action Network have been planning the event.
News in the Grove could not reach a spokesperson for the Oregon National Guard by phone or email.
Until Saturday afternoon, the plan had been a closure of Main Street with a National Guard presence and howitzer display, along with a series of other military equipment and vehicles, a food truck, and more.
Now, what will remain is a smaller affair.
"We’ll still have the M3 Stuart Tank on display Saturday from 12–4pm in front of the tasting room," Martin said.
The False Alarm Band will play at Dauntless beginning at 6 p.m., with a 250th Birthday Celebration beginning at 7 p.m. Boro Burger Food Cart will also be on hand.
The 218th Field Artillery Regiment, based out of Forest Grove, have participated in local community events for more than a hundred years, including at this year's Memorial Day event in Forest Grove.
"We want to extend a heartfelt thank-you to everyone, including the Oregon National Guard, who worked so hard to bring this event together on short notice," Martin said.
He added that there could be some last minute additions, but that Main Street would remain open.
Dauntless Wine Co is located at 2003 Main St.
