Ironton residents, some long-time war veterans, gathered today to watch the Ironton Memorial Day Parade – some to celebrate and enjoy the festivities and others to mourn the loss of loved ones.

Monday, May 29, 2000

Ironton residents, some long-time war veterans, gathered today to watch the Ironton Memorial Day Parade – some to celebrate and enjoy the festivities and others to mourn the loss of loved ones.

"Today’s my birthday," said Charles Crisp, a U.S. Army veteran.

Crisp, now 74, stood proudly on one of the many parade floats, with his honor guard brothers, and his M-1 rifle in hand, gearing up to honor the veterans and the country.

"We’ve got everybody out here from all the military ranks," Navy veteran Bruce Dixon said.

Dixon, 67, also stood with the Honor Guard proudly, and said he loves the purpose of this parade, and everything it stands for. "It’s for our veterans, and this country, and those that have kept this country free," he said.

Along with Dixon stood another veteran, born and raised in Ironton, 74-year-old Earl D. Smith of the 3rd Marine Division.

"I’ve had friends killed in World War II, the Korean war, and Vietnam," Smith said. "This is my 10th year in the parade, and I think it’s a great thing to honor the people who were killed in action."

Some Ironton residents waited in anticipation for the parade as early as 8:30 a.m.

Dale Ratliff, 55, of Ironton, was one of the "early birds," sitting in his van with his wife, Carolyn, along with his three grandchildren, Victoria, 12, Michelle, 8, and Katlind, 6. This was the children’s first chance to see Ironton’s annual parade.

"I think it’s one of the best parades in the state," Ratliff said. "It never has a long lazy streak of cars driving down the streets. It has variety."

"When I was a kid growing up (in Ironton), every year we couldn’t wait to get to the parade," he said. "I hope my grandchildren get the same excitement that I’ve gotten out of the parade."

Earl Hovstetter, 72, drove 15 miles from Willow Wood to see the floats and festivities.

"I’ve seen this parade for (about) 40 years and come here every year," Hovstetter said. "The best part of the parade – is all of it."

Others in the audience drove for miles not to celebrate, but to mourn the loss of friends.

"It’s a sad day," said Navy veteran Carl Reitz.

Reitz, 78, served in the Navy from 1943 to 1946, and was in the Normandy invasion at Omaha Beach, June 6, 1944. He served as a machinist mate on a Landing Ship Tankq (LST), hauling Army troops and Sherman Tanks to the beaches.

Manning a 40-mm machine gun on the bow of the LST, Reitz said he still remembers the deadly hail of bullets and mortar that the soldiers faced when the front ramp dropped.

"We were in the first wave, and I’m lucky to be here today," he said.

"A lot of my friends were killed in that invasion. I saw all of those dead bodies on the beaches, and it was just unbelievable. That’s what makes it hard for me to see all of this."

Reitz, born and raised in Ironton, now lives in Greer, S.C., but comes to Ironton every year for the parade to honor the memory of his brothers in arms.

"As long as I can remember, I’ve been coming here," he said. "It’s always good to (come home) and see the people of Ironton."