CORVALLIS — Corvallis was painted red, white, and blue for the 100th annual Memorial Day parade on Monday, May 29, 2023.
This year's theme was 'Be the One' to stop veteran suicide.
“Today’s not about me. It’s about the ones that didn’t come home and that’s who I’m here to honor and respect," shared retired Master Gunnery Sergeant Warren Ewalt.
As a tribute to those who served the United States and passed away, the streets in Corvallis were lined with American flags.
The Main Street parade featured servicemen and women, local organizations, and a whole fleet of motorcycles, horses, tractors, and vintage cars.
Among the patriotic colors were veterans from various military branches.
Ewalt — who served 24 years in the Marine Corps, going on many tours overseas — was honored to be in the parade alongside a World War II veteran.
“A lot of times today, I have thought of some of those brothers and sisters that didn’t make it back. I had to fight back a tear a couple a times," Ewalt said. "And then, those ones that did make it back but didn’t make it after they got back, I think about them also.”
For Anthony C. Malley, serving was his true calling. “I was born a Marine,” he said with a chuckle.
Malley grew up in New York during World War II where would hang on the fence of the Navy yard to watch the Marines in their dress blues.
Following his time in the Marine Corps, he spent 21 years as a police officer.
Being at the parade is a special occasion for Malley, "I’m proud to be here and it reminds me of my service time because of the comradeship that is extended here.”
Being in Montana now, Malley feels connected to the community of veterans.
But some veterans, after coming home, struggle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — and many of these heroes even go as far as taking their own lives to end the suffering.
That’s why Corvallis themed this parade “Be the One”. The community wants to help “Be the One” to put an end to veteran suicide.
Ewalt explained, “It’s a cause that’s near and dear to me. I’ve known marines that have taken their own lives and that’s such a tragedy.”
To learn more about “Be the One” go to https://www.legion.org/betheone
