It signals the start to the area’s Memorial Day observance.

The annual Navy Night service, honoring the sea-going branches of the military, will be 7 p.m. Thursday at the Center Street boat landing.

U.S. Navy Machinist First Mate John McAulay will be the guest speaker.

Lawrence County Common Pleas Judge Charles Cooper will be master of ceremonies. The invocation and benediction will be offered by the Rev. Dave Schug.

The Rock Hill High School Alumni Band will provide musical selections.

Mayor Rich Blankenship is expected to issue a proclamation, making Navy Night an officially recognized event in the city.

Members of the Girl Scout troop from Central Christian Church will cast flower petals on the water just before members of The Ohio Department of Natural Resources places a memorial wreath in the Ohio River.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars 8850 will provide the color guard and gunnery salute; Bugler Zach Jenkins will play “Taps.”

Navy Night is the first of many local observances that pay tribute to the nation’s service men and women.

The annual Woodland Cemetery service will be 2 p.m. Sunday in the Soldier’s Section of the cemetery.

Then Monday, the 141st edition of the Ironton-Lawrence County Memorial Day Parade will begin at 10 a.m. in Ironton.