CORVALLIS – The Corvallis American Legion Post and the Ladies Auxiliary brought Memorial Day parade to town on Monday. Veterans and families of all ages spent the day celebrating.
It was first organized 99 years ago by returning World War I vets. This year’s theme was celebrate the 100th anniversary of American Legion.
Bradford Smith is the Commander of the Stevensville Post. He served in the Air Force in Vietnam from 1967-1969.
“It’s a great feeling. If you ask any one of the members or anyone who’s in the service, as we walk down the streets-the little ones with the flags that wave and smile, we’ve had them come out and shake our hands, it just warms our hearts to be able to see that,” Smith said.
Kenneth Brown fought in the Korean War in the ‘50’s. He said he loves seeing people wave their flags.
“We just feel honored to be here with all these veterans and the celebration that the community gives to us. Yes. Thank you,” Brown said.
Hundreds of people packed two blocks of Main Street. The parade is one of the longest in the valley, almost an hour long, and it has been on the same street since it first started.
Afterwards, people met for food, music, and games on the high school lawn.
