The joke with the volunteers of the annual Ironton-Lawrence County Memorial Day Parade is that once the parade is over, they start planning the next one.

While that isn’t necessarily accurate, they are planning the 152nd edition of America’s longest continuously running parade, which is set for May 25, and they are seeking public input and more volunteers.

The Ironton-Lawrence County Memorial Day Parade is a point of pride for the county and Ironton in particular. Each Memorial Day, families and friends make it a point to gather to watch the parade from their traditional spots that they have had for generations.

It takes a lot of work from the parade committee, the Southern Ohio Amateur Radio Association and many more to keep the parade going each year as the county hosts many thousands of people.

Lou Pyles, an organizer of the parade, said everyone is welcome to come and that the committee will meet on the second Monday of February and March at 7 p.m. at the VFW’s Ironton post, located at 3026 S. Third St.

So, we ask everyone with the time to come out and support the parade in any way they can.