When the procession of the 135th annual Ironton-Lawrence County Memorial Day Parade makes it way through the streets of Ironton today, a proud native son will be marching in it.

James D. Frazer will be marching with the Ohio Company "K" National Guard.

His grandson,

Todd W. Frazer Jr., won't be on the sidelines cheering him along, but the younger Frazer will no doubt be on his grandfather's mind. Todd W. Frazer Jr., was recently commissioned a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force Nurse Corps. The newly commissioned Lt. Frazer is the third generation in his family to serve his country.

James Frazer grew up in Ironton and graduated from Ironton High School. While still in high school, He joined the Ohio National Guard. After graduating, James Frazer joined the Navy. During World War II, his tour of duty took him into the heart of the Pacific battle.

"I went 10 times to Japan," James Frazer said. "The average number of trips was four. I rode the first atomic powered ship into the water."

After six years in the Navy, James Frazer spent eight years in the National Guard and worked for a company that builds and sells submarines. He and his wife, Beatrice, settled in Poquetanuck, Conn. They instilled in their nine children a love for their country. He speaks proudly of his son, Todd Sr., who made two tours of duty to Vietnam.

"That second trip, he was awarded the Purple Heart three times in four months," James Frazer said.

He is equally proud of Todd Jr., and his brother, Tye, a soldier in the U.S. Army's 258th Engineering Battalion. Tye Frazer is currently serving in Iraq. Todd Frazer Jr.'s commission as an officer is actually the second time he has answered the call from Uncle Sam. Prior to receiving his nursing degree from the University of North Carolina, Todd Jr. was an Air Force security specialist, receiving numerous awards and citations.

That strong patriotism was a lesson James Frazer learned early as a child growing up in Ironton. It is what brings him back to the parade, after all these years.

"I remember my mother used to go down to the riverbank and gather flowers and that's what I would carry in the parade. Back then, the school children marched in the parade. The first time I marched was 75 years ago. I was in first grade," James Frazer said with a smile. Asked if he remembered how felt, carrying those flowers in the parade 75 years ago, Frazer cried and then replied, "Damn proud."