It won’t be long until marching bands and parade floats take over the streets of Ironton in the parade that holds the distinction of being "the nation’s oldest continual running Memorial Day parade.

Tuesday, April 17, 2001

It won’t be long until marching bands and parade floats take over the streets of Ironton in the parade that holds the distinction of being "the nation’s oldest continual running Memorial Day parade."

The parade committee met Monday night at the VFW post to start finalizing matters for the big day.

The committee is still searching for an honorary Grand Marshall.

Gene Sheridan was nominated for the position, but was required to decline because of health reasons. The committee is seeking resumes from interested parties before the next meeting which will be held next Monday.

The group has asked President George W. Bush to participate in the historical event, but received a letter from the White House declining to participate because of prior commitments. So far 11 entries have been received by the committee. The deadline for applying is set for May 10. The parade normally averages 12 divisions of parade participants.

The committee is slated to review the parade rules at the next meeting.

Committee members are particularly concerned with groups stopping to perform while in the parade route. The committee feels this practice slows the parade’s progress.

The group will also survey other safety rules such as prohibiting the throwing candy from vehicles. This rule has been long standing for the Ironton parade, but the committee feels few people realize throwing candy is not permitted. The rule against tossing candy from vehicles stems from accidents that have occurred at other parades.

The group is also seeking veterans wanting to participate in the program. The Memorial Day Parade is a tribute to all of those soldiers who gave when their country called and the committee would like to see current members of the military and veterans come to remember and honor those

who did not come home.