Tribune editorial staff

Despite the threat of Mother Nature, Lawrence Countians and guests were treated to the 136th straight Ironton-Lawrence County Memorial Day Parade.

The rain held off long enough Monday for the units to pass through the streets of Ironton, keeping the parade's consecutive streak in tact. Parade-goers showed little intimidation, though, as an estimated 50,000 people lined the streets to watch the grand procession. More than 2,000 additional people marched or rode in the parade.

Even though the parade is only a couple hours out of one day of the year, many people work behind the scenes to ensure the annual event keeps going. Because of that dedication, we offer a tip of the hat to the Memorial Day Parade Members of the committee include: Connie Adkins, Craig Adkins, Jim Adkins, Tara Adkins, Bob Blankenship, Jeff Bryant, June Bundy, Ron Bundy, Marilyn Caniff, Mark Caniff, Rich Donahue, John W. Elam, Rebecca Elam, Bill Ellis, Paul Glanville, Thurma Glanville, J. D. Hackworth, Lisa Irish, Russ Irish, Marsha Kerns, Carol Kitts, Jerry Leach,

John Linn, Carolyn Lintner, Clarence Lunsford, Sue Lunsford, Ken Massie, Ella McCown, Frank McCown, Mike Pemberton, Brent Pyles, Lou Pyles, Dan Rapp,

James Rowe, John Shafer, Joe Sharp, Martin Smith, Harold Spears, Jan Wisenberger and Lori Young.

Many of these people have full-time jobs and donate countless volunteer hours to the people of Lawrence County by making all of the arrangements for the parade. It is no easy task, either. Planning such an event takes a lot of time from many people.

While we are pleased with the work of the committee, we encourage more residents to get involved. Anyone is welcome to join the parade committee. For more information, contact any of the parade committee members or call Jan Wisenberger at 533-4329.

The Memorial Day Parade is truly a year-long event. The more hands and minds participating would go a long way in keeping the annual tradition alive.