This year there was little doubt the weather would cooperate. It was a little cool and a bit windy at times, but the sun was out to warm everyone who had come out for the parade and, indeed, they did. Our color guard led the way, and the long line of festive marchers and music makers followed. The parade planners at the City of Blue Ash made sure things went off without a hitch. A huge crowd turned out to cheer as the parade units passed them by. This year things had a little twist at the end. The new Towne Square Park was the ending point of the parade. Instead of turning onto Kenwood Road to Hunt Road and circling around to the park, the marchers and vehicles stayed on Cooper Road and went directly to the park, passing along the new Veterans Memorial.
The park was in great shape. Families set up their chairs on the lawn in readiness for the program to begin. Children enjoyed the play areas. At the memorial, adults stopped at each war memorial and took time to read the information about the wars etched on the storyboards. The Blue Ash Fire Department hung a huge flag from the raised ladder of their fire truck above the pavilion. Dignitaries from various government entities were present. Lt. Col. John Quantz, U.S. Army (retired), gave a very inspiring speech. The event was a very respectful and honorable tribute those who gave their lives for our freedom.
The ceremony was closed by the presentation of the memorial wreath, placed by our very own 103-year-old Dennis Schone, a World War II veteran who served with the headquarters company of Army Gen. Douglas MacArthur. After the laying of the wreath, a three-volley salute was presented by our Post 630 color guard rifle team. Taps was sounded by our post bugler, and the ceremony closed with a final prayer.