Yesterday culminated the Memorial Day weekend events with the 149th annual Ironton-Lawrence County Memorial Day parade in downtown Ironton.

The day, first and foremost, is to honor the brave men and women who have, and continue, to give of themselves in the service of our country and protect our freedoms and way of life in America.

But it is also important to say “thank you” to the multitude of Lawrence Countians who volunteer and work tirelessly each year.

The parade committee and those volunteers have one goal each year, and that is to honor all those who have sacrificed, many the ultimate sacrifice, to ensure we can honor their service each year.

As we look back at this weekends events, it is important to recognize the efforts of the hundreds of volunteers who worked at each of the events that honor our armed forces members that began with Navy Night and concluded with the parade on Monday.

Each of the events embodies exactly what they should, remembrance and patriotism for those who afford us the ability to hold these celebrations.

We hope that everyone had a safe and happy Memorial Day, but also took the time to say “thank you” to a veteran, their family or one of the many volunteers.