Watching the parade in Blue Ash are Jim Hyder of Florence and daughter Allison, 18 months. (Steven M. Herppich photos) | ZOOM |

        BLUE ASH — Veterans gathered Monday to honor and others came to reflect on the sacrifices of America's servicemen and women during parades throughout Tristate communities.

        Along Blue Ash's main street — Kenwood Road — parade-goers stood at times seven deep. Among them were children, chasing candy tossed from floats, watching marching bands and massive firetrucks while staring up in wonder as military jets flew overhead in a missing-pilot formation.

        Clear, warmer weather added to the annual Memorial Day Parade crowd but some said it wasn't the playful frills of the parade but the essence of the solemn holiday that brought them out.

        Army veteran Bill Niehaus said he wished more of the Blue Ash crowd — especially younger adults — knew the history of the national holiday and the significance of honoring those who died so that Americans and others around the world could live free.

122nd Army National Guard Band marches on Cooper Road. (Steven M. Herppich photos) | ZOOM |

        "They're picking up on it but it's hard to say whether they recognize the significance of the holiday,” said Mr. Niehaus of Montgomery.

        “Until they know the history, they usually can't appreciate what we have,” he said as army halftracks, Jeeps and a military marching band passed to cheering crowds.

        Navy veteran Tom Stewart agreed, saying he'd like to see “a renewal” of awareness among younger generations for servicemen and women who died in combat.

        “Nowadays people think it's a holiday ... in many cases they forget why we are celebrating it,” said Mr. Stewart of Montgomery.

        Though she wasn't born until decades after some veterans served, 20-year-old Sarah Warner of Anderson Township said she still understood the significance of the day and believes more young people are learning of the debt they owe to military personnel.

        “I think more young people are going into the service, or someone in their families are in the service, and they appreciate that these people had the courage to go and fight for people and their rights all over the world,” Ms. Warner said.

        In Northern Kentucky before the annual Dayton-Bellevue parade, members of the Bellevue Vets post on Fairfield Avenue were sad.

        The flag in front of the VFW building was at half-staff, and Allen Rouse talked about Jack Duell, a fellow World War II veteran who died Sunday.

        “He was a fine fellow,” said Mr. Rouse, 77, of Fort Thomas. “He talked about being (in the service) but not much about what happened. It's a day to start thinking about the guys who've passed away.”

        Inside, a plaque lists 177 Bellevue Vets members who have died.

        Mr. Rouse said he was relieved his name will be on another plaque, but he too was a bit pessimistic about younger generations remembering the meaning of Memorial Day.

        “They're thinking about picnics and cookouts,” Mr. Rouse said.

        But Justin Harvill, 11, of Newport knew what the holiday celebrated. “It means all the people that died in the war. It means a lot to me,” he said.

        Many in the crowd at the annual parade through Ky. 8 in Dayton and Bellevue waved American flags and clapped as the police cars, firetrucks and former soldiers marched past.

        In Groesbeck the memorial honors included Ohio Congressman Steve Chabot presenting the Jubilee of Liberty medal at the Charles R. Gailey VFW to 18 veterans of the Normandy invasion in recognition of their bravery in liberating France during World War II.

        Ray Schaefer contributed.

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