Ironton resident Jerry Kerns has been waiting for some time, and now his turn has come to lead the Ironton-Lawrence County Memorial Day Parade.

Sunday, May 27, 2001

Ironton resident Jerry Kerns has been waiting for some time, and now his turn has come to lead the Ironton-Lawrence County Memorial Day Parade.

Kerns was nominated in September to be the Grand Marshal for Monday’s 133rd running of the annual parade, after volunteering more than 25 years as a member of the parade committee.

Kerns and his wife, Marsha, have lived in the city for more than 30 years, and he is a veteran of the Vietnam War.

Kerns spent four years in Vietnam, serving in the Air Force from 1965 to 1969. During his military service, he worked in the electrical power production unit, generating power for bases.

Lately, a dark cloud rolled over Kerns’ position as the parade leader. He has been hospitalized for several days from a back surgery, but he said the operation will not rain on his parade.

"I’ll be there heading it up," said Kerns. "I’ll step off Monday morning at 10 a.m., polished and raring to go."

Kerns was missed at Thursday’s observance of Navy Night. The Rev. Dave Schug said he had hoped Kerns could attend the tribute, because he is one of the many Lawrence Countians who know what it’s like to leave home and country and fight for liberty.