MenuBar event and propagation

I have a menubar with two levels which is the most natural. I do not mean three levels.

If I set a Command/Listener on the first level MenuItem then I do not get the subjacent MenuItems. If I remove the listener the subjacent menuitems appear. Thus, restrained by the demand to see the items, I can only catch events from the second levels menuitems. It seams that a listener stops propagation of the events. Must I manage the propagation myself and if so, how?

Anything clarifying is appreciated. I would lke to throw notifications on the first 2 passages on the first level.