Prineville commemorates Memorial Day with parade, followed by events to honor the fallen
Claire Elmer
(Update: Adding video)
PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Prineville’s annual Memorial Day Parade took place Monday morning to honor service members who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Flags throughout the town were at half-mast and the flame at City Hall’s ‘Crook County POW and Veterans’ Memorial’ was burning brightly.
All of the streets throughout downtown were lined with American flags to commemorate the occasion, and hundreds of community members turned out to pay their respects.
Small American flags were handed out to the crowd while vintage cars, tanks, and vehicles decked out in patriotic decor drove by. Loud cheers and clapping increased as veterans in the parade went by, waving to parade-goers.
The parade itself started on Main Street and ended several blocks later at the Memorial Park area of the Ochoco Creek Park. After the parade, the American Legion held a ceremony on the Elm Street Bridge where an all-natural wreath was dropped into the creek to honor veterans who died at sea.
Following the wreath ceremony at the bridge, many parade participants then made their way to the Juniper Haven Cemetery to honor veterans with a wreath placement. The day of events concluded with a paver-dedication at the Crook County Fairgrounds.
The city of Prineville’s Memorial Day happenings tend to not only have the most events, but some of the largest turn-outs throughout Central Oregon, showcasing the community’s dedication and appreciation to its service members.