Hundreds flood the streets of Hamilton for Memorial Day parade

The streets of Hamilton teemed with parade-goers Monday as people young and old waved flags and saluted while veterans marched in the parade commemorating their fallen colleagues.

Veterans Service Commissioner Tom Jeffers served as grand marshal for the event, riding alongside Hamilton Mayor Pat Moeller. The experience was gratifying, Jeffers said.

READ MORE: WWI crosses restored in Hamilton’s Greenwood Cemetery

“As we were driving here it makes you proud, all the people that were on the streets, waving flags and the children that were waving flags,” he said. “I think it’s just a proud moment to be a veteran and be the marshal.”

More than 35 groups participated in the parade Monday, said Michael Cupp, organizer of the event.

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The Memorial Day program at Greenwood Cemetery followed right after the parade in the cemetery’s Grand Army of the Republic section. It featured several speakers, the Hamilton High School band and a 21 gun salute.

George Coleman, the officer in charge of the Butler County Sheriff’s Office color guard unit said the Memorial Day celebrations are appreciated and warranted.

“The importance of it is to remember those who have served our country in combat to protect our freedom,” Coleman said while his unit was preparing for the parade. “And to honor them, honor their service, honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.”

He said parades and events are especially important for the youngest Americans.

“We want the youth to understand the importance of this day and how those who have gone before them have paved the way to give them the freedoms that they have today,” Coleman said.

Shannon McDonald was readying the Lindenwald girls softball team for their part in the parade and she agreed children need to understand their way of life is only possible because of the sacrifices service people have made.

“Maybe they don’t recognize it now but they will eventually recognize what today means and to honor those that have fallen, that have given everything so we can be here to have a parade,” she said.

Michael Cupp, organizer of the event, said 36 groups participated in the parade.

READ MORE: WWI crosses restored in Hamilton’s Greenwood Cemetery

The Memorial Day program at Greenwood Cemetery followed right after the parade in the cemetery’s Grand Army of the Republic section. It featured several speakers, the Hamilton High School band and a 21 gun salute.

The keynote speaker at that event was Phillip Alexander, with the Department of Ohio Disabled American Veterans.

“Of the million-plus men and women who have died in American military service, the vast majority of those so-called everyday heroes, they are brothers and sisters who fought alongside us, who have left unfilled holes in families’ hearts across this county,” he said. “Their friendship, their bravery should be commended, their duty will never be lost.”

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