COAL GROVE- When Lawrence County's Bicentennial Bell stops in Coal Grove this weekend, village leaders hope to make two points with the community's picnic at Paul Porter Park.

Mayor Tom McKnight said he wants to honor the state's

and the village's heritage during the year of Ohio's 200th birthday. He also wants to recognize the contribution that veterans have made throughout the last 200 years. Area veterans are asked to attend the bell tour affair Sunday. On behalf of veterans, Coal Grove resident Robert Woolwine, a recipient of both the Silver Star and the Purple Heart, will ring the bell on behalf of the village.

"Somebody said to me, 'this is the bicentennial, this isn't to honor veterans,'" McKnight said. "But, how do you think we'd be ringing this bell? Because of them and their sacrifices. This is something I've always been grateful for.

"I never served in the military, but I have the utmost admiration for those who have served and for those who are serving our country."

McKnight is asking veterans to be at the park by no later than 3 p.m. Sunday. Sign-up sheets will be available for veterans so they can be recognized.

As part of its two-day journey, the bell will stop in Coal Grove for an hour and a half before making its way to the Lawrence County Courthouse in Ironton. The Coal Grove Betterment Club is sponsoring the afternoon's activities.