WE SUPPORT OUR TROOPS BANNERS WILL BE LOCATED ON THE BRIDGE/OVERPASS OF U.S. 52 TO WOODLAND CEMETERY BETWEEN IRONTON AND COAL GROVE, OHIO

This is information about the banners by Ken Massie. Last year while in Cincinnati I saw a banner on one of the overpasses with "WE SUPPORT OUR TROOPS." I was really impressed with this and my first thought was, one of these would look great on the overpass at Woodland Cemetery along with the many American flags that are placed there each year by members of the Memorial Day Parade Committee. U. S. 52 is a heavly traveled highway and will let thousands of people know that this area "SUPPORTS OUR TROOPS." In January I discussed this with Arthur J. Pierson, 2009 Parade Grand Marshal, he thought it was a very good idea. We thought the banner should be two feet high and eight feet wide. Colors to be red, white, and blue. He cut a piece of cardboard two feet high and we went to the bridge overpass and determined where the grommet holes should be in the banners for mounting to the rails with plastic ties. We would need two banners, one for the East bound lanes and one for the West bound lanes. We then went to Crabro's Printing, 314 Chestnut Street, Ironton. They stated they could make these banners and proceeded to type in the words "WE SUPPORT OUR TROOPS" on their large commercial computer. It looked good, we got a price and at the next parade committee meeting the banners were explained and the price given. As soon as it was explained a motion and second with a unanimous yes vote was received. Also permission to mount the banners over the highways was granted by Ohio Department of Highways, Columbus, OH The pictures at right may all look the same but they are taken at different angles to get more faces of the people in the rear shown. I did have to cut the size down some and lost some resolution in order to have text on the left explaining what this is all about. I should have climbed up on a table and taken a downward shot.

The past Grand Marshals plaque is an idea of Arthur J. Pierson, he designed this then got the purchase approved by the parade committee and had it made at Area Advertising in Ashland, KY. All of the known past Grand Marshals since 1868 thru 2009 (141) names are on a name plate. There is room for 59 more names to be added in later years. This plaque will be mounted on a wall on the ground floor of the Ironton City building. When the Memorial Hall at 4th and Railroad is renovated the plaque will be moved to that location.

Below is a picture in full size. Notice the plaque is laying on a table in the foreground and gives you a more accurate size. We appreciate everyone who attended this parade meeting on March 9, 2009 and welcome all of you back. Also hoping to see many more people attending. Everyone attending the parade meetings are very important people, they support our troops, support our parade, honor our veterans, and remember the ones who paid the supreme sacrifice.

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The pictures below were taken on March 30, 2009 at City Hall, Ironton, Ohio. This is the official dedication of the Past Grand Marshal Plaque and the mounting of same on a wall on the first floor of the City Building.

Below is our picture of the local American Legion, Post #433 honor guard that was there and gave a prayer of thanks and lead the group in the pledge of allegiance to our flag. Left to Right in the picture is Jim Volgares, Commander, Bill Jordan, Adjutant, Jerry Brownstead, Chaplin, and Tom McClain, 1st Vice. The parade is about our veterans and our military. This group represented our military at this event. Their website is now listed to the left of this site under links to other sites.

The picture below is of past grand marshalls who were able to attend. See the plaque on the wall in center of picture.

The picture below includes most of the people who were attending the ceremony. Also in this picture, first row third from left is the 2008 Honorary Grand Marshall, Frank McNeely who was a POW during the Korean War. The lady in the first row on the left is Mrs. (Betty) McNeely. Both are members and supporters of the Memorial Day Parade Committee.