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A parachutists brought a giant American flag down from the skies during the cemetery services, which included speeches, songs and a special honor for the parade grand marshal, who served in three wars — World War II, Korean and Vietnam.
The parade included military veterans, police, firefighters, local city officials, business and community leaders, as well as the Marching Middies band from Middletown High School and band members from Fenwick High School.
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“We’ve come to this parade now for several years. It’s a great parade and they do a really good job with a lot of veterans’ groups,” said Ohio National Guard officer Chad Harris, whose little girl was propped up on his shoulders for a better view of the parade.
“It just feels very festive here,” said Harris, a graduate of Middletown’s Fenwick High School.
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Middletown resident Cecil Daily, who entered military service in 1943 and retired in 1970, was honored as the parade’s grand marshal and presented a key to the city during ceremonies after the parade.
Middletown Police reported no incidents during the parade or ceremony.