Memorial Day service pays tribute to Robert Waller

This year’s Memorial Day Service drew memories to the forefront of all who attended but none more so than the Waller family members who attended. Sisters, Clarice Boyette, Davine Shores, Betty Hussey, and brother Frank Waller. Also present were niece and nephew Elyssa Waller Tatum and Garyn Waller.

  A history behind Robert Waller was provided by family members and friends. Robert Willie Waller left the USA in1967 for a tour in Vietnam fully aware that he had no guarantees of returning to his home alive. He was 22 years old when he died on the battlefield in Quang Tri, South Vietnam. Very little information was available concerning Lt. Waller’s death.

  His sister, Davine, provided information about her brother who was called “Buddy” by his family and “Willie” by his friends. He was the kind of person who could put aside differences when he saw a need and was there to help with the need.

  Waller was a graduate of Marianna High School and attended FSU where he received a taste of the military when he joined the Reserve Officer Training Corps on campus. Upon graduation from FSU with a degree in engineering, Waller joined the Marine Corp (voluntarily). His initial training was at the Marine Corps Base in Quanitco, Virginia. There he learned how to be a Marine Corp officer and leader.

  From there, he was given a 30-day leave where he returned home to Marianna. From there he returned to Virginia before he left for Okinawa for stopover before he landed in Vietnam. In Vietnam, Waller served as a platoon leader with the 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, 1st Platoon, Echo Co.

  Waller died on June 27, 1967. Although sister Davine was not in Marianna at that time, she recalls the community was in shock when the news broke. Those who knew Robert knew that he had no regrets about his choice to voluntarily join the Marine Corp.

  At Monday’s services, there was another special ceremony held. Ms. Curley Spires Potter unveiled the bench placed in front of the monument in honor of WWI colored troops who sacrificed all in the war.

  Michael Bennett, D.C. USMC opened and closed the ceremony with the posting of the colors, the placing of the wreaths, playing of Taps by Mr. Daniel McNeil, USMC, and the singing of America by Mrs. Laura Tice-Sowell.