Lawrence County residents will have the opportunity soon to buy a poppy to say thank you to a group of people who risked their lives in the defense of their country.

Tuesday, May 02, 2000

Lawrence County residents will have the opportunity soon to buy a poppy to say thank you to a group of people who risked their lives in the defense of their country.

The annual poppy sale, which is more like a donation collection, is a major fund raiser for veterans’ groups in the area, and gives us all a chance to remember those who have served in the armed forces.

So, when the veterans’ group asked Ironton City Council for permission to collect money by stopping cars at intersections in Ironton, everyone wanted to say yes to so worthy a cause.

But, the problem is, the city really should say no to this request and any other that involves people standing in traffic. There are too many variables and safety concerns. Drivers, eager to avoid being asked to donate, could accelerate quickly and not be able to control their cars. A misdirected ray of sunlight could cause a driver not to see someone standing near his or her car.

The potential for a tragedy is chilling.

But there is a way that residents can thank the veterans and make their donations safely.

Advertise the date for collections and station some veterans in designated areas of the community – especially ones where a lot of people gather each day like a grocery store, post office, OUSC, the library.

That way, residents can make their donations safely and Ironton’s traffic pattern is not disturbed.

To make the collection successful, however, those of us who would be happy to make a donation should make a note of the day when the veterans will be out and take the time to stop.

The city newspaper will even announce where the veterans will be and at what time if the groups submit their schedule.

No one wants to say no to a group that is so dedicated to its cause and to which we all owe so much, but safety has to be the city’s first concern.

Trying a new way of collecting and keeping everyone safe is a much better idea than risking a serious accident. No donation is worth a tragedy.