For the Memorial Day weekend Ironton and Lawrence County truly looked beautiful, an impressive display of well-groomed lawns, flower decorations and patriotism. The community was inviting, the type of place people want to visit and, ultimately, live.

The challenge for each of us — as citizens, property owners and business owners — is to maintain that level of enthusiasm for making the county beautiful all year long.

It is never easy and human nature dictates that we will relax the focus, but the community pride that makes our region special during Memorial Day can do the same for all 365 days in the year.

People looking to move to the community or grow a business here are impressed by this type of spirit. Southern Ohio has this but we must make sure that it is on display all year long.

If each of us will spend just a few minutes each week making our yard, business or property look nice, the whole will be greater than the sum of the parts.

Memorial Day simply provides the channel and outlet for our community’s civic pride to shine through, but we truly believe it exists in Lawrence County all year long.