Staff report
With communities across Northern Kentucky preparing to celebrate the unofficial start of summer and honor our nation’s fallen this weekend, the NKyTribune has compiled a list of ceremonies and events planned for Monday’s Memorial Day holiday.
Covington
The City of Covington invites residents and visitors to join in a series of Memorial Day observances on Monday, honoring those who gave their lives in service to the United States.
This year’s commemoration includes Covington’s annual Memorial Day Parade, now in its 105th year, along with a full day of tributes at military memorial sites across the city, culminating in a remembrance ceremony at the Historic Linden Grove Cemetery & Arboretum.
The day will begin with a series of morning observances at local memorial sites, each featuring a prayer, a 21-gun salute, the playing of “Taps,” and the placing of a wreath by a combined Honor Guard from the Latonia American Legion Post 203 and the Marshall Schildmeyer VFW Post 6095.
Morning Observances Schedule:
• VFW Post 6095 (347 E. 47th St.) – 7 a.m.
• American Legion Post 203 (Winston Highway) – 7:45 a.m.
• Korean War Memorial (Ritte’s Corner) – 7:55 a.m.
• Vietnam Memorial (38th & Church Streets) – 8:05 a.m.
• World War II Memorial (Holmes High School) – 8:30 a.m.
• Mother of God Cemetery (3125 Madison Ave.) – 8:45 a.m.
• Floral Hills Memorial Gardens (5336 Old Taylor Mill Road) – 9:05 a.m.
Participants will begin lining up for the city’s parade at Holmes High School at 1 p.m., entering via Eastern Avenue. The parade will step off at 2 p.m., traveling north on Madison Avenue, west on 19th Street, north on Holman Avenue, and west on 13th Street before concluding at the Historic Linden Grove Cemetery and Arboretum.
The parade will feature City officials, Covington Police and Fire personnel, military contingents and vehicles, local sports teams, a choir and band, and fraternal organizations.
Those interested in participating in the parade or any of the day’s events are encouraged to contact the City’s Community Liaison, Chris Brown, at Christina.Brown@covingtonky.gov.
Following the parade, a formal ceremony will begin at 3 p.m. at the Veterans’ Monument within the Historic Linden Grove Cemetery and Arboretum.
This year’s keynote speaker is Dave Schroeder, executive director of the Kenton County Public Library. The ceremony will also honor Grand Marshal Corporal (E-4) Rick Mann, a Vietnam War veteran who served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1966 to 1969.
Bellevue and Dayton
The Cities of Bellevue and Dayton are inviting residents, businesses and visitors to participate in several Memorial Day activities designed to honor veterans, celebrate community pride and support local programs.
This year’s events include a patriotic decorating contest, the inaugural Honor Roll 5K benefiting local veteran programs and the annual Bellevue-Dayton Memorial Day Parade.
The inaugural Honor Roll 5K will take place on Monday, May 25 at 8:15 a.m. at Bellevue Beach Park. Proceeds from the race will support local veteran programs and food pantry. Runners and walkers are invited to wear festive red, white and blue attire. Medals will be awarded to the first 100 finishers. Registration is $20 for adults and $15 for students ages 18 and younger.
The Bellevue Dayton Memorial Day Parade will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 25. The parade starts at the Veterans Monument, 709 Sixth Ave. in Dayton, and concludes at the Bellevue Veterans Club. Community groups and organizations interested in participating in the parade can complete an application at daytonky.com.
For more information and registration links visit bellevueky.org
Florence
The City of Florence is inviting the community to come together in remembrance and gratitude on Memorial Day as it honors the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation.
The City’s Annual Memorial Day Parade will begin at 10 a.m., starting at Boone County High School and proceeding along Burlington Pike, turning onto Ewing Boulevard, and concluding at the north entrance of the Florence Government Center. Residents and visitors are encouraged to line the parade route and join the community in honoring the sacrifices made by our nation’s heroes. Please note that road closures along the parade route will begin at 9:45 a.m. and remain in effect until the parade concludes.
Following the parade, the community is invited to attend the annual Memorial Day ceremony at 11:30 a.m. at the Boone County Veterans Memorial, located on the Florence Government Center campus. The ceremony will feature patriotic music performed by the Florence Community Band and Chorus and special tributes honoring the brave men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces. The program serves as a meaningful opportunity for the community to reflect on the sacrifices made to protect our freedoms.
The city is advising residents that drone photography and videography may be used to capture and share the day’s events. Drones may be observed overhead in the area throughout the event.
Park Hills
The City of Park Hills’ annual parade on Monday, sponsored by the Civic Association of Park Hills, will be extra special.
The parade will begin at 11:30 a.m., rain or shine, at Notre Dame Academy and march down Dixie Highway to Arlington, where it proceeds to Old State Road, then Terrace Drive, and Amsterdam road to Park Drive. All entries are welcome, and the best entry wins $100.
The Grand Marshall will be Bob Amott, a Navy Veteran who has lived in the city since 1986. Amott spent most of his service at Quonset Point, Rhode Island, where he worked on airborne anti-submarine warfare detection equipment. Amott finished his enlistment in 1972 aboard the USS Wasp. His contribution to the city of Park Hills, as well as to the Civic Association has been on the communication committee.
One of the most exciting events added to the day is a WWII era aircraft flyover, which will occur during the flag-raising ceremony, and will make several passes over the city, particularly over Park Drive immediately after the parade. Some of the aircraft in this flyover will include a 1957 Navy T34 Mentor, Vans RV8, Vans RV6, 1943 North American T6, Vans RV7, Vans RV8, and 1947 North American Navion.
The celebration starts earlier than the parade on Park Drive at Amsterdam Road where from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. food trucks will be lined up to provide food and drinks while waiting for the parade to start or to wind down after the excitement of the parade and flyover. Some of the trucks coming are Kona Ice, Chick Fil A, Finke’s Pub, Phat Daddy’s BBQ, Skyline, Dunkin’, Braxton Brewing, Better Blend, and Barleycorn’s.
The food court will be located along the west side of Park Drive, and tents will be up along the east side. Vendors will close briefly during the Flag Raising ceremony to show respect and honor for the veterans who gave their lives. Any local traffic will use Rose Circle during the road closure.
People can also view the old green line bus that TANK will park on Park Drive. The Green Line buses served the city of Park Hills for many years.
“The country is turning 250 years in 2026 and that is exciting,” said Mayor Kathy Zembrodt. “Our parade and ceremony is extra exciting this year to show that Park Hills is on board and ready to celebrate our city and the country during this milestone year.”
Fort Thomas
Fort Thomas is iviting residents to participate in Memorial Day festivities honoring Campbell County Vietnam Veterans who sacrificed all while serving their country.
The ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. on Monday in Tower Park at the Vietnam Veteran Memorial. The Veterans and Friends Coffee Club will have coffee available inside the Armory (right across the street) at 1 p.m. before the ceremony, courtesy of Michelle Caldwell NMLS #7944 – Huntington Bank. Ron Allari, president of the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) Chapter 88, will lead the ceremony.
Refreshments will be available following the ceremony, courtesy of Homewatch CareGivers.
More information can be on the Fort Thomas Memorial Day Ceremony Facebook page.
Fort Wright
The City of Fort Wright will celebrate Memorial Day Monday at 10 a.m. on the Front Lawn of city hall, located at 409 Kyles Lane in Fort Wright.
For a complete ceremony details, list of speakers, and more information, view the onlin Fort Wright Memorial Day Ceremony Invitation.