In a little less than a week, the window of opportunity will close for those who want to be a part of the 132nd Memorial Day Parade.

Monday, May 08, 2000

In a little less than a week, the window of opportunity will close for those who want to be a part of the 132nd Memorial Day Parade.

The parade committee and grand marshal Kathy Boyd are taking applications now from groups that want to be a part of this year’s march.

It doesn’t take much to participate. All you have to do is fill out the form. But it is very important that any group or organization remember the reason why they are participating.

The Memorial Day Parade is not just a chance for bands, cheerleaders and clubs to hop on the back of a pickup truck and wave to the crowd. The event is designed to honor the men and women who have died in service to their country.

That means that any float, pickup truck or any other vehicle in the parade should include a tribute to the men and women who serve their country in the armed forces.

This is supposed to be a fun parade, but it should have a serious side as well. It is important for everyone who participates, especially the children, to understand the solemnity of the occasion and the reason why we gather together each year.

And the parade is not just a chance to pay tribute to our servicemen and women, either. This is a more than 100-year-old tradition that has been a part of our Memorial Days for generations. It still draws visits from former residents and spawns family gatherings all over the city. It is an event we should not only try to support on Memorial Day by attending, but all year long by volunteering to help put the parade together.

The parade is not the only opportunity residents will have to say thank you to veterans and their families, either.

There is a whole week of events honoring their service including Navy Night and the traditional ceremony at Woodland Cemetery.

If you don’t already do so, take the time to make the parade and ceremonies part of your Memorial Day weekend. Be a part of a tradition that has been a part of Lawrence County for generations and share a little history with your family and friends.