26-05-2025
Lima's Memorial Day parade draws thousands
May 26—LIMA — From the fighter jet flyover to the Abrams M1 tank rolling down North Main Street flanked by crowds waving U.S. flags, Monday's Memorial Day Parade in downtown Lima was a celebration of the U.S. military and those who served in it who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Monday's parade included nearly 200 entries, according to organizer Aaron Poling, and according to early accounts after the parade, the number of attendees also saw a sharp rise this year.
"We had about 14,500 people this year," he said. "Last year, we had about 10,000 people."
Not only were veterans groups and agencies associated with military families represented, but other community agencies and organizations participated in Monday's parade, including law enforcement and other first responders, schools and area labor unions, with many participants tossing candy to the delight of younger spectators. Others passed out U.S. flags to spectators lining the streets to aid in promoting a spirit of patriotism at the gathering.
One person receiving a flag was Norm Grigsby, a 96-year-old Lima native who served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1956 during the Korean conflict.
"I was actually affiliated with the Navy Seabees, the construction battalions," he said. "And I stayed in the reserves for about 20 years."
While Grigsby said he did not personally get into any "hot spots," as he described them, he knew several people who lost their lives while serving, and he expressed appreciation for events like Monday's parade to commemorate the memory of those lost.
"I think we should have more of this," he said. "I think we've got a country now that is really divided. We need more occasions like this to bring us together."
Memorial Day observances continued after the parade with a wreath laying ceremony at the American Legion Post 96 as well as a hog roast celebration at the Social House at Lima's Central District.
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