Just mention the Ironton High School Million Dollar Marching Band and Ralph Falls’ name is sure to come up.

The longtime band director who has become synonymous with the music program at the city’s high school will get honored Friday by some of the students whose lives he touched.

A group of Falls’ former band students will officially dedicate a hometown flag in Falls’ honor at the corner of Seventh Street and Ellison Avenue behind the bandstand at Tanks Stadium.

We commend those who have worked to make this happen.

This is a step in the right direction to honor an individual who clearly had an impact on countless lives.

What many people don’t know is that this is an extension of an honor the Ironton School District bestowed on the man before he passed away March 15, 2010.

Fittingly, the board of education voted unanimously to name the bandstand in Falls’ honor.

Making it even more special, several members of the board visited with the man and told him of the recognition. Needless to say, he was honored and humbled.

It is only right that the bandstand will be formally dedicated this fall in front of a packed Tanks Memorial Stadium as the Fighting Tigers take the field for a home game.

Falls served the Ironton district from 1954 to 1986, creating a legacy that will endure time in the passion and love for music he instilled in his students.

That impact will live on forever, helped by the bandstand that will carry his name.