BLUE ASH, OHIO — For 71 years, bands, student groups, politicians and community organizations have marched down the streets in commemoration of Memorial Day, but always at the front is the American Legion Northeast Local 630, ensuring the days’ meaning is at the forefront.
This year, Allen Hughes, the commander-elect of the legion chapter, bore the flag in the center of the color guard and helped kick off the parade.
“To come out here and do this is a total honor,” he said.
To Hughes, Memorial Day is a time for reflection. As a Navy Veteran who served in Beirut in the 80s, he said he’s always felt a kinship with anyone who has served in the military. When he returned to Ohio, he said he wanted to find a place where he could serve fellow veterans.
“I started going to Blue Ash and found out how much they do for the Veterans and it’s like this is my post. I love it here,” Hughes said.
Now as the incoming commander, he said he’s looking forward to taking the lead, helping the more than 150 members continue finding ways to honor him.
Hughes said leading the parade was just the first step, reminding him and his fellow legionnaires that the city supports them.
“Just seeing the people and the respect they give,” he said. “You can always tell a fellow veteran cause they standup and they salute when they see the flag go by.”
At the end of the parade, the Legion and city leaders host a memorial ceremony to honor the men and women from Blue Ash and beyond who lost their lives serving in the armed forces. The mayor, Marc Sirkin, read a list of names of Blue Ash residents who died overseas, the legion laid a wreath in their honor, the rifle squad fired a salute and played "Taps." The ceremony ended in a prayer.
To Hughes, that’s what the day is meant to be about.
“Today is the day that we hope and pray that we can get all of our fallen soldiers and hopefully there’s a day that we can bring all of our soldiers home," he said.