Tribune staff

We have all seen the image -

Joe Rosenthal's Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph of the five Marines and one Navy hospital corpsman proudly hoisting the American flag atop Mt. Suribachi on Iwo Jima.

The moment, which signified the Americans' occupation of Iwo Jima, was so captivating that it was transformed into a bronze statue, which serves as the Marine Corps War Memorial in our nation's capitol.

One local man, though, doesn't need to look at history books or old newspapers to recall the image. It is embedded in his memory because he was there. And now, he will help lead the longest-running Memorial Day Parade in the nation.

Earlier this week, the Ironton-Lawrence County Memorial Day Parade Committee tabbed South Point resident Ernest P. Jones as the honorary grand marshal. He was nominated by Ironton attorney Harold Spears and was selected from among six fine candidates.

At the tender age of 19, he was serving as a Marine in the South Pacific when the historic flag-raising took place. He kept a journal of his wartime experiences and shared some of his experiences with the parade committee.

After returning to Lawrence County, Jones went to Marshall University and went on to become an educator in his native county, teaching in Coal Grove and serving as principal of Fairland East Elementary until he retired in 1979.

We feel Ernest P. Jones is a wonderful choice for the 2003 Ironton-Lawrence County Memorial Day Parade's honorary grand marshal. His dedication to his country in the worst of circumstances was tested and proven true. Additionally, he came home and capped his service to his country with many years of service to his community as an educator.

In his book, "The Greatest Generation," NBC News anchor Tom Brokaw lauded the heroism of World War II veterans. Ernest P. Jones is a prime example of someone who embodies Brokaw's account of sacrifice and heroism.