MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. – The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Honor Guard participated in a grand reception for veterans returning from Washington D.C. 

“This past Sunday we welcomed home our heroes from their Honor Flight—a powerful reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and enduring spirit of our veterans. It’s our privilege to stand in salute as they return,” said MCSO Captain Lance Hemsworth. 

Last week, a group of 60 veterans with the South Willamette Valley Honor Flight traveled to Washington, D.C., to visit museums and war memorials built in honor of their sacrifice and service to our nation. 

An Honor Flight is a special opportunity for any veteran who served in the military during a time of war or peace to receive a free trip to Washington D.C. and connect with other veterans, reflecting on their years of military service. These trips are fully funded by public and corporate donations. 

The South Willamette Valley Honor Flight veterans visited the World War II Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorial. They also toured the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and the National Army Museum. 

This group of national heroes returned to Portland on Sunday, receiving a warm welcome at Portland International Airport. 

The MCSO Honor Guard attended the Honor Flight’s grand reception, saluting the veterans as they arrived. 

“To stand in honor is to carry the weight of tradition, the pride of service, and the silent gratitude of a nation,” Captain Hemsworth said. “As the Honor Guard Commander for the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, I have the solemn duty of upholding the legacy of those who have served before us and alongside us.” 

### 

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office is providing photos for media use. Media may use these photos with credit to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. Suggested captions are also included below.