Prineville, Ore. – Memorial Day, which is a federal holiday, is held the last Monday in May, and designated as the nation’s annual day to mourn and honor deceased servicemen and women.
The origins of this event began as Decoration Day, which was formalized by a “Memorial Day Order” by Grand Army of the Republic Commander-in-Chief John A. Logan in 1868. Decoration Day can be traced back to traditions to honor fallen war veterans post-Civil War.
Early on Memorial Day in Prineville, the Band of Brothers, along with other local volunteers, put flags out along Third Street, as well as Fourth Street, the route for the morning Veteran’s Parade. Placement of flags also includes the entrance into the Crook County Fairgrounds and Juniper Haven Cemetery. In addition, an annual tradition called “Flags In” takes place at Juniper Haven Cemetery and includes placing small American Flags by the headstones of all veterans early morning on Memorial Day, and the flags are taken down by sunset.
The day’s events, commemorating Memorial Day, May 26, included a veteran’s Parade at 10:00 a.m. Prineville has a plethora of veteran groups represented in the parade, and the event was well-attended by locals. Other groups included Troop OR4629, American Heritage Girls and Trail Life Boys, Crook County NJROTC, and many other organizations.
Immediately following the parade there was a wreath ceremony at Ochoco Creek Park, by the Veteran’s Memorial. The wreath-tossing ceremony on Memorial Day following the Veteran’s Parade serves as a powerful symbol of remembrance and commemoration of fallen service members. The VFW Auxiliary presides at the ceremony of throwing a wreath in Ochoco Creek, as a way to honor their sacrifices publicly and to acknowledge the continuous commitment to remembering and honoring those who have died in the service of their country.
All Veteran’s Groups converge at Ochoco Creek Park after the parade, including the Crook County NJROTC cadets. During the wreath ceremony, the Prineville Band of Brothers Honor Guard provides a rifle salute, taps, and bagpipes. Immediately following this ceremony, the public was invited to a ceremony at the Pioneer Section flagpole at Juniper Haven Cemetery, for a moment of silence. The Prineville Band of Brothers conducted a rifle salute, taps, and bagpipes at the ceremony.
At 1:00 p.m., the public was also invited for a rededication of the Bob Ervin Veteran’s Memorial at the Crook County Fairgrounds.
