Oregon National Guard to Honor Historic 41st Division at Saturday Ceremony in Clackamas

CLACKAMAS, OR – Celebrating the centennial anniversary of one of its historic divisions, the Oregon Army National Guard is set to hold a public ceremony in Clackamas this weekend.

First activated for World War I on April 1, 1917, the National Guard’s 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) –– formerly the 41st Division –– will honor its lineage at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 1, at the 41st Infantry Division Armed Forces Reserve Center at Camp Withycombe, 15300 S.E. Minuteman Way in Clackamas.

The event is one of many taking place across the country over the next week in recognition of the U.S. declaration of war on Germany and its subsequent official entry into World War I April 6, 1917.

"The ceremony is being conducted to honor and commemorate the 41st Division," said Stephen Bomar, director of public affairs for the Oregon Military Department. "From 1917 to 1968, this division was involved in some of the most significant events of the 20th Century and the 41st Division has definitely left its mark on U.S. history."

Also called the “Sunset Division” for its Pacific Coast association, the historic 41st Division shared its soldiers with other divisional units and reportedly never entered battle under its own colors –– though 41st Division soldiers “were involved in some of the most significant battles of World War I,” Bomar said.

Since the 1917, the 41st IBCT was deployed during World War II, the Gulf War, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Freedom's Sentinel, as well as for several other peace-keeping missions and multinational training exercises, Bomar said.

Surviving World War II veterans from the 41st Division, as well as a handful of active, high-ranking military, local, state, and federal officials will be present for the April 1 event, which the community is invited to attend.

Photo Courtesy: Oregon Military Department