It seems awfully hard to believe that in a little more than a month Lawrence County children will be putting away their books and preparing for another summer vacation.

Friday, April 07, 2000

It seems awfully hard to believe that in a little more than a month Lawrence County children will be putting away their books and preparing for another summer vacation.

And with those last few days of school comes the annual Ironton Memorial Day Parade.

This year’s event is scheduled for May 29 – most county schools will end May 26.

And, as they do every year, the parade committee has outdone itself to be sure that the more than 130-year tradition will continue into the new century.

Of course, you will be able to see your old favorites – the floats, the bands, the Shriners – but be prepared for a few surprises, too. There usually are a few on parade day.

But even though it is more than month away, the parade committee needs your help to make sure the annual march is organized and begins on schedule.

If you are planning to be a part of this year’s event, the committee needs you to fill out an entry form, which you will find in this Sunday’s edition of The Ironton Tribune.

Just let the committee know what you are going to be bringing to the parade – a float, a band or marchers.

Make sure you also fill out the section for the contact person’s name and phone number. That way, if the committee has a question or needs more information about your parade entry, volunteers will know whom to call.

And when you start planning your parade entry, the committee also has asked that you keep in the mind the theme: "2000: Long May We Remember."

The Memorial Day Parade is more than just a chance to put together a few floats and to hear some marching bands.

The parade is our community’s opportunity to honor the men and women who have given their lives in service to their country.

Without their sacrifice, we would not have been able to enjoy the freedoms we cherish today.

Although there are many times throughout the year that we should remember them, Memorial Day is the one day that belongs to veterans – not just those who are gone, but those whose lives were forever altered on a battlefield in service to their country.

In addition to the parade, there also will be several additional events honoring those who have served and are serving in the armed forces. From Navy Night to the ceremony at Woodland Cemetery, county residents will have plenty of opportunity to thank those who have given so much to their community and their country.

If you are making plans for Memorial Day weekend, whether it be for a family get-together or a quiet afternoon at home, be sure to include the parade in your plans.

And, if you can be part of this year’s march, get to work now on a tribute to the men and women of uniform.

Don’t miss a chance to say thank you to the veterans and their families.

Renee Carey is the managing editor of The Ironton Tribune.