Memorial Day isn’t just another holiday in Lawrence County.

The patriotism and pride of our citizens will be on full display starting Thursday and culminating Monday morning with the Ironton-Lawrence County Memorial Day Parade, the longest continuously running parade of its kind in the nation that is now in its 144th year.

There will be a variety of celebrations and events across the county that will provide opportunities to pay respect to the men and women who have paid the ultimate price for our freedoms and also to say thank you to those who are currently defending our great nation.

It starts on Thursday with Navy Night in Ironton and continues Sunday with the solemn Woodland Cemetery service. The county’s veterans organizations will also be performing services at the graves of fallen soldiers throughout Lawrence County.

Memorial Day isn’t just about backyard barbecues, parade floats and another day off of work. It is fine to appreciate all of those things but we must not ever forget the real reason for the celebration.

Taking the time to attend one of these events can be eye-opening and heartwarming on this special day dedicated to honoring our true heroes.