They made Ohio proud, and now Lawrence Countians will salute members of the 216th Engineer Battalion of the Ohio Army National Guard for their service to their country.

The 216th will be honorary grand marshals for the 137th annual Ironton-Lawrence County Memorial Day Parade scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday in Ironton.

In nominating them for the honorary grand marshal's award, parade grand marshal Jan Wisenberger said the members of the 216th exemplified the parade's theme this year "Strength and Honor."

"They are what this parade is all about and this group of soldiers truly represents

the

'strength and honor of our country,'" Wisenberger said. "They served our country so proudly and I

know this community is so proud of them."

Wisenberger said the inclusion of the 216th may well be a first - of sorts.

"I don't know how long it's been since we had an actual military group like this in our parade," she said. "I think we're lucky to have them. I know we're lucky to have them."

The 216th returned home with a fistful of honors for their contribution to Operation Iraqi Freedom. Earlier this month the battalion became the first Ohio National Guard group since World War II to receive the Meritorious Unit Commendation.

This honor is given to units for "exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services for at least six continuous months during the period of military operations against an armed enemy." It was awarded by the multi-national coalition leading the war effort.

The commander of the 216th, Lt. Col. Scott Evans, said the list of achievements made by the 216th during their year in Iraq is a long and distinguished one: More than 300 missions accomplished, 500 combat patrols, 34 Bronze Star recommendations and 209 Army Commendation Medals.

Their achievements have earned the 216th the nickname "the workhorse of the Division" by the 1st Infantry Division.

Evans recently received his own Bronze Star for his

tour of duty in Iraq. The recommendation for the award lists four achievements that merit the honor: Evans' planning and organizational skills, his courage and commitment to his soldiers,

countless successful construction missions while in Iraq to protect other service men and women and to improve the quality of life.

"For exceptional meritorious service during Operation Iraqi Freedom while serving as battalion commander for the 216th engineer battalion, Lt. Col. Scott Evans' outstanding leadership contributed immensely to achieving force protection and quality of life standards for task force danger soldiers located throughout forward operating bases. Lt. Col. Evans' dedication to his fellow soldiers on the battlefield upholds the finest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, task force danger and the United State Army."

The 216th was mobilized in January 2004 and supported the First Infantry Division in Iraq. They returned home this February.

The 216th will be honored at a special ceremony at 9:30 a.m. Monday on the Lawrence County Courthouse steps.