Corvallis Memorial Day Includes 'Miss Montana' Flyover

It's a small parade, but a huge crowd! The Bitterroot Valley's Corvallis Memorial Day Parade is Monday, May 30, hosted by the Corvallis American Legion Post 91 and Auxiliary Unit 91. The parade Monday morning will include a special appearance in the sky by World War II C-47 "Miss Montana." And the famous aircraft will be letting loose some parachutists.

After the parachutes touchdown, another flyover is planned - by a WWII P51 Mustang and an F4U Corsair. They will pass overhead twice. On the second pass, they'll be in the Missing Man Formation.

The classic aircraft will signal the start of the parade at 10 a.m., according to Chris Kurinec. Grand Marshall this year is Post 91 former Commander Edna Nasca. She has served in the post for 24 years and is an Army veteran and Veteran Advocate, serving also as an Honor Guard member.

The parade's theme is "Let Freedom Ring" and includes veterans and active duty military, along with military vehicles. There are also floats from area organizations and businesses, along with a contingent of classic cars and more. The parade starts at the Corvallis High School and proceeds south on Corvallis Main Street to the Woodside Cutoff Road, turning to the west and continuing for a block or two on that road.

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It's a short distance for a parade (Corvallis isn't that big) but crowds at the annual event have multiplied over the recent years, requiring traffic control on the East Side Highway and resulting in an increasing shortage of nearby parking places. Our advice is to arrive early and have a great deal of patience with the traffic and watch out for the multitude of pedestrians.

Corvallis Memorial Day Ceremonies after the parade

The Corvallis American Legion Post will have a Memorial Day ceremony at the Corvallis Cemetery at 12 noon, reading the names of all veterans buried there. Following that, they will also place a wreath in the Bitterroot River at the Woodside Bridge. The public is invited to both events.

Back in town, immediately following the parade, a barbeque to benefit the Corvallis Performing Arts Booster Club will be in front of the Corvallis High School and the Community Band will perform. Veterans will be admitted to the barbeque at no charge.

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