You can’t kiss soldiers marching in the Savannah St. Patrick’s parade for 2 reasons

Parade attendees won’t be allowed to kiss soldiers marching in the 2018 Savannah St. Patrick’s Day parade, breaking with a long-standing tradition of bright lipstick marks.

The U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Division and parade oranizers are asking the community to follow their rule for the sake of safety and professionalism, according to tweets from both entities.

“For safety reasons, we ask that paradegoers refrain from kissing the 3rd ID soldiers marching in the parade,” the parade’s Twitter account posted on Thursday. “We do, however, encourage you to continue cheering for them!”

“It's primarily about professionalism,” the Army account posted in reply. “Soldiers are in uniform and on duty when marching, and must look professional and conduct themselves with decorum. We enjoy being in the parade, and appreciate the community's ongoing support of our uniformed men and women.”

"Really the worldwide situation, terrorism, you just don't want people running out to active military,” Parade Committee Grand Chairman, Brian Counihan Sr. told WTOC. “It's a fun thing, but it puts them on edge and it could be a danger.”

For more information on St. Patrick’s Day weekend festivities, visit savannahsaintpatricksday.com.

This story was originally published March 8, 2018 at 4:22 PM with the headline "You can’t kiss soldiers marching in the Savannah St. Patrick’s parade for 2 reasons."