“This is a family tradition, and we come every year,” said Diane Cockerham as she waited for the parade at their staked out spot in front of Jake’s Place on Verity Parkway.
Nearby, the Jackson family — adorned with matching American flag tiaras — were three generations of family celebrating the beginning of summer.
It was a day of mixed emotions: misty eyed veterans remembering those who didn’t make it home and children laughing and enjoying the freedom that some died for.
As the parade marched and rolled down Verity from Smith Park to Woodside Cemetery, 3-year-old Kaivion Roberts was excited about seeing the horses, race cars and fire trucks.
“I look at it as a day when everybody gets to come together, all races...and enjoy the good weather and enjoy America,” said his father, Vershawn Jackson, watching the parade seated in the grass across from Rosa Parks Elementary.
Outside the cemetery entrance, Joni Earach said this Memorial Day has particular meaning to her since her father, World War II veteran John Their, died in September.
And Thomas Barker, a Vietnam War veteran, said the holiday has particular meaning for him. It’s about honoring the “people that served the country and dedicated their lives so we have what we have today.”
As the marching bands went silent and the hordes of motorcycle engines died down, a ceremony at the cemetery punctuated the event.
Paul Nenni, former city councilman and a Vietnam veteran, was the headline speaker. He said every day should be a memorial day.
“We must find ways to ensure the legacy of our heroes endures,” he said. “Their history deserves telling and re-telling. Honor their sacrifices, tell their stories and cherish their memories.”
Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2175 or jsweigart@coxohio.com.
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