Bob Blankenship was chosen Monday night as the grand marshal for the 2008 Ironton-Lawrence County Memorial Day Parade; Arthur Pierson was chosen as parade commander.

The parade committee met Monday for its annual fall election of officers.

Blankenship, who served last year as parade commander, said the selection as grnad marshal is an honor he is proud to accept.

“I can’t help but think of the many fine men and women who have led the parade down the streets of Ironton is the past years and I am proud to continue this tradition,” Blankenship said.

Blankenship is a U.S. Army veteran.

Pierson sad he also considered his selection an honor and is pleased to take part in an event that recognizes the sacrifices of America’s armed forces.

“The whole idea is to honor veterans, both those that have fought in past wars and those fighting now,” Pierson said.

Also Monday, the parade committee elected Brent Pyles as its president. Pyles served last year as grand marshal. Jan Wisenberger was selected as vice-president, with Sue Lunsford as secretary and Kandi Hamilton as treasurer. Pierson and fellow committee member Connie Adkins were selected as trustees.