It isn’t often that small communities like Ironton and Lawrence County can lay claim to national superlatives like the “most,” “best,” or “tallest” of anything.

But it just so happens, our community is one of the exceptions.

We make history every Memorial Day when the longest continuous-running parade in the country steps off from Center Street in downtown Ironton. This year marked the 148th time our community has rallied in honor of the many men and women who sacrificed so much in defense of our nation’s freedoms.

Organizers of the parade said this year’s boasted the largest crowds ever and more veterans took part in the procession.

An event with this lengthy of a history that can still break crowd records doesn’t get put on at the last minute.

Thanks to the hard work of a small but dedicated group of individuals, the Ironton-Lawrence County Memorial Day Parade Committee, this event has become not just a staple for Ironton, but the entire Tri-State as well.

The parade committee works all year long on preparing the parade and working on its logistics. Organizers are already at work on next year’s parade, as well as the 150th parade in 2018.

Because of the committee’s tireless efforts, and the community’s support of that committee, Ironton and Lawrence County has a claim to fame that shows the nation what is closest to our hearts — honoring those who fought for liberty and freedom.