Sun staff
Batavia was the site of a spirited parade to honor and thank veterans on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
Residents from many villages and townships and students from schools across the county participated in the parade, which traveled from the Batavia Post Office down Main Street in Batavia.
“To see so many people show up here today, it’s great,” Bob Derr, president of the Clermont County Veterans’ Service Commission said.
Derr thanked veterans in Clermont County who have served and those who are currently serving.
He said all veterans are welcome to, and should, stop by the Veterans’ Service Commission.
“You have benefits and we want to make sure you get what you deserve,” Derr said.
He said it is great to be in Clermont County and be able to honor and recognize veterans in a free country.
Derr set the parade off, and Danny Bare, former Veterans Service Commission executive director, led the parade down Main Street as the grand marshal.
The parade was separated by villages and townships in the county, and many residents participated from each area.
Local veterans, veterans organizations and students in marching bands from nearly every school district participated in the parade, as well as many Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops.
Vintage warplanes from the War Bird Museum at the Clermont County Airport excited the crowd as they flew over Main Street several times during the parade.
Both sides of the street were lined with residents who came to watch the parade, and many cheered and shouted words of thanks to veterans as they passed.
“We always think it is important,” Annette Walsh, who came to the parade with her family, said about celebrating Veterans Day.
Walsh said they try to make it to the Veterans Day parade each year.
“I think it’s very important and exciting to see all the county come together in Batavia,” Walsh said.
Patty Ann Morgan, a Williamsburg resident, brought her children to the parade and used the fun Veterans Day parade as an educational opportunity.
“I want them to learn,” Morgan said. “I want them to see what the veterans do for us.”
Cindy Hines, of Batavia, said the parade is a great way to honor veterans each year and is also fun for children.
She said she has lived other places, and Clermont County is different when it comes to supporting veterans.
“I think the commitment they have, no matter what day it is, the commitment is there to honor the veterans,” Hines said about the county.