Central Area in Salem in Marion County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)

Oregon Spirit of ‘45

Europe - Pacific

— Remember and Be Inspired —

Oregon Spirit of ‘45 marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, October 14, 2025

1. Oregon Spirit of ‘45 marker

Inscription. In August 1945, World War II ended and a spirit was born. The brave men and women who served, returned home and defined the "Greatest Generation." These heroes shined a beacon of hope to the world and built America into the great nation it is.

In 2013, Oregon honored them by designating the 2nd Sunday of every August as Spirit of ‘45 Day.

Honoring all who served, from Battlefield to Homefront. May their legacy be remembered and inspire future generations.

Dedicated Sunday, August 10, 2025 on the 80th Anniversary of the end of World War II

Erected 2025.

Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • War, World II. A significant historical date for this entry is August 10, 1945.

Location. 44° 56.375′ N, 123° 1.993′ W. Memorial is in Salem, Oregon, in Marion County. It is in the Central Area. It can be reached from Cottage Street Northeast. Touch for map. Memorial is at or near this postal address: 190 Cottage Street NE, Salem OR 97301, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this memorial is in Oregon Wine Country

and in the Willamette Valley.

It is also on the

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American Pacific Coast,

in the Pacific Northwest,

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

in the Cascade Range,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Claire Maybelle Phillips (a few steps from this marker); Moon Tree (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Marking an Old Trail (about 600 feet away); Salem First United Methodist Church (about 600 feet away); Salem’s Theatrical History (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Trustees of Oregon Institute (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Grand Hotel (approx. 0.2 miles away); Grand Theater & Odd Fellows Lodge (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Salem.

Also see . . . Oregon Spirit of '45. A website devoted to commemorate the achievements and virtues of the World War II generation, on the 2nd Sunday of every August, so as to inspire future generations.

OR Spirit of ’45 Commemorates 80th WWII Anniversary

80 years ago, May 8, WWII was won in
Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, October 14, 2025

2. Oregon Spirit of ‘45 Marker
Europe.

The following August, WWII was won in the Pacific.

Oregon Spirit of ’45 honored the ‘Greatest Generation’ on the 80th Anniversary of the end of World War II, observed on Sunday, August 10, 2025, as Oregon Spirit of ’45 Day. Monument dedications took place at 11 AM in Salem and 4 PM in Portland … on state and national grounds.

(Submitted on October 21, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon.)

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, October 14, 2025

3. Oregon Spirit of ‘45 Marker

The reverse side of the marker contains the same verbiage.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 21, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. This page has been viewed 53 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 21, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.