Posted on 05/25/2020 4:54:19 PM PDT by buckalfa
IRONTON, Ohio (WSAZ) – Even the COVID-19 pandemic couldn’t but the brakes on the nation’s oldest continuously running Memorial Day parade.
The 152nd Ironton-Lawrence County Memorial Day Parade went on Monday morning in southeastern Ohio – without spectators.
Typically, the event draws more than 30,000 people to the streets of Ironton. It’s recognized by Congress as the longest running Memorial Day parade in the United States.
In the midst of the pandemic, organizers say their only way to carry on the tradition was by asking spectators to stay home and watch a livestream of the event.
Organizers also shortened the parade route, with law enforcement and fire department crews blocking off certain streets.
Participation was limited to approved groups only. Furthermore, the parade committee has had several meetings with heath and government officials to make sure the event was safe.
They say safety is a top priority, but honoring this tradition and the veterans who have given their lives for us is also important.
In Iuka, KS more than 80 citizens gathered at the local cemetery for the 136th consecutive Memorial Day observance. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, God Bless America was sung, a young woman read the Gettysburg Address and the names of war dead from the Civil War to date were read. Flowers were laid at the markers listing the war dead.
No one wore a mask and we associated with the other attendees as we pleased. Just another day in America with Americans going about their lives with out asking permission of their rulers.
I was born across the river from there. I can’t think of a more patriotic part of the country.
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