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The Ohio Valley is preparing for a very busy weekend to kick off the summer.
The construction crews have cleaned and cleared the downtown streets as best they can to help make the annual Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend event go as smooth as possible.
The Wellness Weekend, which features a half-marathon distance race, an urban challenge, a health expo, a bicycle tour along Wheeling's Heritage Trail, parties and other opportunities for the community to gather, kicks off early Saturday morning at 14th and Main Streets downtown. The Streetscape project has caused a few changes to the race route, but the course will be well-marked to ensure the hundreds of runners and walkers navigate the 13.1-mile event.
Another big event set for the weekend is the second annual Barbecue Bash at Oglebay Park, where friends can gather over the weekend for good food, fellowship and live musics, with Collective Soul headlining that event this evening.
Here in the Ohio Valley, we understand the holiday weekend can be packed with fun without forgetting its core purpose: honoring those who have given their lives in service to our nation.
A variety of events for that purpose are scheduled. Perhaps most important will be the solemn ceremonies and vigils held in dozens of places throughout the valley.
There, in groups small and large, Northern Panhandle and East Ohio residents will gather and, led by military veterans, pay homage to the honored dead.
A highlight of the weekend will occur at 11 a.m. Memorial Day, when American Legion Post 1 will be hosting its annual event at Wheeling's Heritage Port. Benwood, McMechen, Glen Dale, Cameron and other communities also will gather Monday to honor those who gave all.
Recreational events, some of them combining Memorial Day observances, are scheduled throughout the valley. Good food, great entertainment and a variety of attractions for young and old are on tap.
And, of course, there will be cookouts, picnics, private parties and similar family gatherings by the hundreds. By all means, have fun. Plenty of opportunities will be available.
At the same time, however, pause during the weekend to reflect on Memorial Day -- and the enormous debt we owe to those who laid down their lives for us. Let us never forget their sacrifice.