American Heritage Partners was honored as a key sponsor of the dedication ceremony for the American Revolutionary War Memorial in Beaverton, Oregon. The event, held on Sunday, April 19, 2026, took place at the Beaverton Veterans Memorial Park as part of America 250 Oregon, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Jay Dickey, President of American Heritage Partners, represented the organization at the ceremony, underscoring the association’s commitment to promoting historical awareness and honoring America’s foundational heritage.
A Historic Day of Remembrance and Celebration
The dedication ceremony began at 1:30 p.m. and featured a lineup of speakers integral to Oregon’s civic and historical communities. Notable presenters included Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read, Beaverton Mayor Lacey Beaty, and representatives from the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) Lewis & Clark Chapter, which sponsored the memorial’s construction. Members of the SAR chapter reenacted historic Revolutionary War customs, such as Posting the Colors, performed with a Fife and Drum corps, and fired a black powder musket volley, all while wearing authentic replica uniforms.
The ceremony concluded in a stirring finale with a 2:33 p.m. flyover by West Coast Ravens, a renowned aerobatic team well-known for their participation in air shows across the western United States.
About the Memorial and Its Location
The Beaverton Veterans Memorial Park, located just south of downtown Beaverton between 7th Street and 9th Street and Washington Avenue and Watson Avenue, has served as a place of honor for all veterans since its dedication on November 11, 2006. Its inscription, “All gave some — some gave all,” resonates deeply with the community’s respect for military service.
The Revolutionary War Memorial is the only known monument in the Pacific Northwest dedicated specifically to those who served in the Revolutionary War. It features three large granite tablets with colorful, detailed “glass art” reproductions created by OM Stone, a Hillsboro-based memorial company with a 70-year legacy. The centerpiece granite tablet showcases John Trumbull’s famous painting, The Surrender of Lord Cornwallis, elegantly etched and explained for visitors.
Three granite benches complement the memorial, including a bench dedicated to William Cannon, the only known Revolutionary War veteran buried in Oregon. Cannon rests at the Old Saint Paul Roman Catholic Mission Cemetery in St. Paul.
Reflecting on America’s Promise
Speakers at the ceremony emphasized both the achievements and ongoing challenges of the American experiment. The ideals articulated in the Declaration of Independence were celebrated as bold and transformative, yet many attendees were reminded that the promise of equality and liberty has not yet been fully realized for all Americans.
Juliet Britton, Commander of American Legion Post 124, delivered one of the more candid remarks, acknowledging that “the revolution was the declaration of a promise, with a lot of work that remains.” Britton’s comments stressed the importance of confronting the country’s continuing struggles with inequality and encouraging greater civic courage.
Beaverton Mayor Lacey Beaty, a U.S. Army veteran, echoed these sentiments, noting that America is “still working to live up to its founding ideals.” Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read closed the formal remarks by underscoring the enduring importance of participating in democracy to preserve the values upon which the nation was built.
A Community Effort and Cultural Celebration
The dedication ceremony was rich with historical reenactments and patriotic traditions. The Lewis & Clark Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, along with members from other chapters across the country, led a vibrant program including a Fife & Drum Corps performance and presentations by the Oregon/Washington SAR Color Guard.
The unveiling of the memorial was marked by a thunderous black-powder musket volley, followed by enthusiastic applause as the protective coverings were removed to reveal the granite tablets and benches. The artworks and inscriptions offer visitors a visual and educational journey into the Revolutionary War era and its heroes.
Overcoming Challenges to Preserve History
The memorial project faced financial uncertainties during the COVID-19 pandemic, but perseverance and a partnership with OM Stone ensured its successful completion. The company utilized its proprietary full-color “glass art” process to bring the memorial’s images to vivid life, combining artistry with durable craftsmanship.
About American Heritage Partners
American Heritage Partners (AHP), a Nevada-based 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to sponsoring educational programs and publications on American history. Its mission includes partnering with leading historical and heritage societies to deepen public understanding of America’s origins, achievements, and challenges through the centuries. Being recognized as a key sponsor of this memorial and included in this commemorative event was a significant honor and an extension of AHP’s ongoing commitment to preserving the nation’s heritage.
The Beaverton Veterans Memorial Park remains a central location for veterans’ commemorations, hosting annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies. A major celebration is also planned for July 4, 2026, marking America’s 250th anniversary of independence. The Revolutionary War Memorial will serve as a lasting reminder of the sacrifices and ideals that shaped the United States.
This dedication ceremony was part of the America 250 Oregon initiative, supported by funds from the Oregon Arts Commission through a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, and made possible by the America 250 Oregon Commission.
The dedication of the American Revolutionary War Memorial in Beaverton marked not only the honoring of America’s first patriots but also a heartfelt reminder that history is a living dialogue between past struggles and the continued pursuit of a more perfect union.
