For 136 years, Lawrence County has honored the memory of its fallen sons and daughters with a Memorial Day Parade. Come Monday at 10 a.m., that tradition will continue.

A proud tradition

The parade is expected to attract a crowd of 35,000 to 50,000 people who will stand along the streets of Ironton and pay homage to the men and women who have served their country in the armed services.

"It's a wondrous tradition we have," parade grand marshal Frank McCown said. "Our's is a community that for 136 years has paid tribute continuously with a Memorial Day parade. We're proud of our nation, proud of the men and women who have paid the price for our freedom."

Paul Glanville, of Ironton, agreed. "The freedoms we have are because of those who died for us. Some gave their all," Glanville said.

For Lisa Brown of Kitts Hill, coming to see the parade is a family outing; her mother used to bring her when she was just a kid."

"It's not just a parade, it's who you're with, it's memories, it's a tradition," Brown said.

"It's (the parade) to honor those who died for the freedoms we have."

The parade now has its own historical marker boasting of its longevity and its place in history.

The historical marker was officially dedicated Friday afternoon in a ceremony at the Lawrence County Courthouse.

The theme for this year's event is "One Nation Under God."

A grand start

A military flyover will precede the parade. Parade commander Jan Wisenberger said the Ohio Air National Guard confirmed Thursday that it will provide the jets for the military flyover. Last year the National Guard was unable to perform the flyover.

Ironton churches are asked to ring their bells at 10 minutes before 10 a.m.

In addition to the thousands who will watch the procession, more than 2,000 will actually march in it, from scout troops and 4-H clubs to veterans' organizations to recreational organizations to churches.

The parade will include six bands, nine floats and representation by more than 20 military organizations.

Some new faces will grace the parade lineup this year. Among other newcomers,

a pair of Clydesdale horses will make their debut in the parade. Jim and Sara will pull a 100-year-old hitch wagon.

Horse owner Roger Conley, a Certified Public Accountant, said he became familiar with the parade through some of his southern Ohio clients.

This particular horse breed was made popular through Budweiser advertising.

Conley said the horses and wagon have been in other area parades and have been used as a sort of mobile advertising.

The parade this year will be broadcast on a delayed basis. It will be videotaped by OUS electronic media program and televised on the community info channel (channel 25) on Adelphia Cable first airing at 7 p.m. Tuesday and then throughout the week.

Rain or shine

Will it rain on our parade? Maybe.

"We have a 40 percent chance of rain in the morning on Memorial Day," said Jim Dent, hydrometeorological technician with the Charleston, W.Va., office of the National Weather Service.

According to the National Weather Service, the forecast calls for mostly cloudy skies with a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms.

Temperatures are expected to be in the lower 80s.

A source of pride

The parade is the focal point and capstone of a week of community activities. Many families plan their reunions around the last weekend in May.

For James Frazer Sr., of Preston, Conn., the parade and the opportunity to see family and friends brings him back to Ironton. Frazer left the area years ago for a career in the Navy. Retired now, he still makes it to Lawrence County to march with the

Ohio National Guard Company K.

"I grew up here," Frazer said. "I come back every chance I get."

The parade has received some unexpected attention from very far away:

Bellingham, Wash., radio personalities interviewed parade grand marshal Frank McCown Friday morning about the parade. McCown said the morning show pair received information about the parade from an Associated Press story.

"It makes me appreciate the power of our ability to get the information out but more importantly it says something about the recognition for the Ironton area, and recognition for veterans and recognition for veterans is what this is all about," McCown said.