Reflections on the River

Since 2018, Willamette Vital Health has offered our community the opportunity to celebrate, honor, and remember those who have died and are missing from our lives at the Reflections on the River event in September.

Riverfront park

You are invited to celebrate, honor, and remember your loved ones at the 6th Annual Reflections on the River community grief event on September 7, 2023, from 7:30-9:00 pm.

New Program Location!
A short program will be offered in the Riverfront Park Amphitheater from 7:30-8:00 pm at Salem's Riverfront Park, featuring music, words of comfort and inspiration, and a memorial to veterans. The program will be offered in Spanish and English, and ASL interpretation will be provided. We have moved the program to this larger location due to growing attendance at this annual event. Large swaths of grass in the amphitheater are available for seating and participants are welcome to bring their own picnic blankets or chairs. There will be a limited number of chairs available. ADA seating will be available at the top of the amphitheater. Those with mobility issues should park in the carousel parking lot on the south side of the park.

The self-paced River Walk and luminaria-lit labyrinth will be available from 7:30 to 9:00 pm. The River Walk will stretch from the north parking lot to the Riverfront Park Amphitheater. 4,500 luminarias will line the park paths to celebrate Willamette Vital Health’s 45th anniversary of serving the community.  Handwritten, personalized luminarias will be available for purchase for $10 at the event or pre-purchase a printed luminaria that you can take home at the conclusion of the event.

Thank you to these sponsors who helped bring this event to our community:

Title Sponsor: Dignity Memorial

Presenting Sponsor: Columbia Trust Company

We Honor Veteran Light Sponsors:
Johnson Funeral Home
Restlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Garden
Keizer Mortuary
Farnstrom Mortuary-Independence

Candlelight Sponsors:
First Interstate Bank

Tealight Sponsors:
Bollman Tribute Center
Collier Law
Deschutes Investment Co.
Maps Community Foundation


Sponsorship opportunities are still available to support this community event. For more information, view the Reflections Sponsor Form or contact Theresa at donorservices@wvh.org. Call 503.588.3600 for more information.