CORVALLIS — Gathered on a pleasant Wednesday morning in Crystal Lake Cemetery around a monument that honors Union soldiers who served in the Civil War, a group of volunteers along with a few local dignitaries listened to a short presentation before placing American flags on the grave sites of veterans.
Although in Corvallis, the event had a Philomath vibe to it with Eric Niemann, former mayor and city councilor, leading the main talk. Paul “Jeff” Cochran, the Philomath High graduate who was killed in Vietnam, received mention along with his mother, Beverly Durham, who upon her death donated property that led to the creation of a veterans memorial park on College Street.
Gallery: Crystal Lake Cemetery Memorial Day Event (May 20, 2026)
A collection of photos from a flag-placement event ahead of Memorial Day at Crystal Lake Cemetery in Corvallis on May 20, 2026.
Niemann also included in his comments the sacrifice of Eric S. McKinley, who attended PHS and was killed in 2004 during Operation Iraqi Freedom. In the crowd, former Philomath city councilor Catherine Biscoe and Benton County Commissioner Pat Malone, who lives in Kings Valley, were among those looking on.
“I think it’s important to put the memorial back in Memorial Day,” Niemann said in an interview. “I think a lot of times, it gets eclipsed by barbecues and beach vacations and people don’t reflect on the cost of freedom.”
In addition to those veterans and a Gold Star mother with Philomath ties, Niemann’s presentation led off with the story of Capt. Edward C. Allworth, a World War I veteran who died in 1966 and is buried in the cemetery. Allworth received the nation’s highest military honor, the Medal of Honor, in 1919. It is awarded by Congress for risk of life in combat beyond the call of duty.
Allworth graduated from Oregon Agricultural College (now Oregon State University) in 1916 before entering the U.S. Army. He earned the Medal of Honor for his actions near Clery-le-Petit, France, on Nov. 5, 1918, just days before the armistice.
Serving with the 60th Infantry, 5th Division, Allworth and his company were crossing the Meuse River and canal when shell fire destroyed the bridge, splitting his command between the east and west banks.
“Without hesitation, he dove into the river, led his troops across in an assault, pushed the enemy back a kilometer and captured 100 prisoners of war,” Niemann said.
After leaving the Army, Allworth wanted to remember those who fought in the war, so he raised money to construct the Memorial Union on the OSU campus.
Years later, his son, Lt. Edward Allworth, a 1942 OSU graduate, served during World War II.
“He would jump with his platoon on D-Day onto the beaches of Normandy,” Niemann said. “Some 2,500 United States soldiers lost their lives in one day.”
Niemann said he first became aware of the elder Allworth’s contributions while driving past a Medal of Honor sign that’s erected on Highway 20/34 in the vicinity of OSU’s Reser Stadium.
“It always piqued my interest as to why that was there and lo and behold, I discovered that Capt. Allworth is buried here at Crystal Lake Cemetery,” Niemann said. “It was fascinating to learn his history and the fact that he has the connection with Oregon State was pretty remarkable.”
The World War II service of his son only adds to that family’s legacy and Oregon military history in general.
“Just strong commitment, a love of country, selfless family who gave all in defense of our nation,” Niemann said in response to a question about what the Allworth story tells him. “Just really impressed by them.”
Niemann ended his comments with a reference to current events.
“I’d like for everybody to consider that we have over 15,000 service members that are currently serving on active duty in the Middle East and are in harm’s way,” Niemann said. “We are all watching and pray that they all safely return. We have a lot of uncertainty and a lot of risk in the world right now and I think it’s no better time to think about those that are in uniform serving.”
Cory Grogan, Benton County public information officer, led off the event with a few quick remarks, which included recognition of several individuals. Shane Galloway, Benton County Parks maintenance manager who established the event at the cemetery, also shared comments and provided direction for placing flags on the grave sites.
Oregon Army National Guard Capt. Sascha Tudela shared her perspective on Memorial Day and honoring veterans.
“Multiple generations have been here from different eras from our nation, different wars, and how it’s brought us all back together and to remember all of them is significant,” Tudela said. “The Oregon National Guard — we’re deeply honored to be here, we’re a part of this community and just to be there to serve and honor those that were before us is significant to our hearts.”
Soldiers and other volunteers followed by spreading out across the cemetery to place the flags.
