Many have seen the Flags of Honor waving through the breeze during the Rally on the River event held each August in downtown Ironton.

However, an addition to this week’s Memorial Day festivities will include the same Flags of Honor display for the first time during this holiday. The traveling memorial provides an outlet to honor those brave men and women of our armed forces who paid the ultimate sacrifice since 9/11 along with special tribute flags that are sponsored by various individuals, organizations and other entities.

We commend the efforts of American Legion Post member Ted Riedel, the Blue Knights KY VIII and all others who worked to get the event here during the Memorial Day holiday that is truly a special weekend in Lawrence County.

The traveling memorial also allows for families to fellowship with one another and can create a bond for those facing similar circumstances.

We encourage Lawrence County residents and those who may be visiting for the holiday weekend to take some time and visit the memorial starting Friday, May 22 at 6 p.m.

While we all think about those men and women who serve our country, not everyone can make the trip to Washington, D.C. and see the memorials. These events afford the opportunity to allow us to pay our respects and honor those men and women who defend our freedom right here at home.