Two weeks and counting.

This time next week, Lawrence Countians will be savoring the memory of another Memorial Day weekend. But until then, Ironton-Lawrence County Memorial Day Parade committee members are putting last-minute touches on an array of annual observances of pride and patriotism.

This year's Woodland Cemetery Service will feature a keynote speech by the state commander of the VFW, Gary Pfaff, and patriotic musical selections by The Thundertones barbershop choir.

"The Thundertones are from Barboursville, W.Va., and they sang at the chilifest at Tri-State Industries this year," said Woodland Cemetery Service sub-committee chair Bill Ellis. "They also performed for various requests on Valentine's Day. This is the group's first time at the cemetery service."

Ironton City Councilman Brent Pyles will be the master of ceremonies for the event. That service is at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 30.

The annual Navy Night service at the Center Street boat landing in Ironton will feature remarks by Lt. Ann Kern of the U.S. Coast Guard in Huntington, W.Va.

The Rock Hill High School band

and the Central Christian Church Men's Choir will provide musical selections. Lawrence County Common Pleas Judge Richard Walton will be master of ceremonies.

This year, parade committee members are asking that people bring chairs with them when they attend the Navy Night service. That service is at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 27.

The Memorial Day activities begin Tuesday, May 25 with the past grand marshal's dinner, continue with the Navy Night Service and then move to the Lawrence County Courthouse lawn Friday, May 28 for a ceremonial unveiling of a historical marker in honor of the parade.

The activities continue Sunday with the cemetery service and culminate at 10 a.m. Monday with the 136th annual procession of the parade.