Valley residents turn out to honor America at Liberty Festival parade
BELLVILLE — Ron Mosier served his country during the Vietnam War, spending 13 months and 10 days overseas.
"I made it back," he said.
Not everyone from Clear Fork's Class of 1966 was as fortunate. Mosier said two or three of his classmates were killed in Vietnam.
He sported a black ballcap with the words "U.S. Army" and "Vietnam vet" on it Tuesday morning as he prepared to take in the Liberty Festival parade in downtown Bellville.
Mosier said freedom is the meaning behind the Fourth of July, when America celebrates its independence from England.
"All people take it for what it is," he said.
A Butler native, Mosier is back home visiting for four months. He now lives in Las Vegas. Mosier's holiday plans included a birthday party Tuesday night and dinner with classmates later in the week. He plans to head back to Las Vegas in late September.
Craig Smith of the Sons of the American Legion Irvin Hiskey Post 535 was in charge of getting the units in the parade lined up on Ogle Street, before they turned south on Main Street, where people stood several rows deep to watch.
"We've been doing this for 20 years," Smith said, adding they started out with 20 or so units but added a number more.
Motorcyclists honor fallen firefighter
About 100 motorcycle riders were on hand to honor the late Jefferson Township firefighter Charles Swank, who died during firefighting training in Florida on Dec. 8. Swank was 39.
The bikers were headed to Fredericktown and back to Butler.
Douglas Keppler, of Bellville, was near the end of the parade, playing bagpipes. The former Marine sported a flag-themed shirt and a kilt.
"Once a Marine, always a Marine," Keppler said.
He served from 1967-1971 and did a stint in Vietnam.
"It was my honor," Keppler said.
He said he has been playing bagpipes since 1975, when he joined the Mansfield Royal Scots Highlanders Pipe and Drum Corps.
"I got in on the ground floor," Keppler said. "I'm the only charter member left."
He said the group, which formed to participate in the Bicentennial celebration, is down to four pipers and two drummers.
Steve Schlosser is another Valley veteran. He served in the 179th Air National Guard for 15 years, two of those on active duty.
"I'm patriotic, I'm a veteran," Schlosser said. "I love my country. I've got to show a little respect on my country's birthday."
His T-shirt featured the words "Freedom, nothing grows without it."
Schlosser retired from Gorman-Rupp.
"I've lived in the Valley all my life," he said. "We've been all over, and we haven't found anyplace we like better yet."
Schlosser said he has "18½" grandchildren — one is on the way.
Woody Laux served as parade's grand marshal
Woody Laux, a local veteran, served as the grand marshal of the parade. Some people staked out their seats an hour before the parade started on a sticky morning.
Cameron Thompson, of Butler, was there to watch Clara, his 8-year-old daughter, twirl her baton.
"We try to come to all the fireworks and shows, whatever we can get involved in," he said.
Son Cooper was tending to Bella, the family's 9-week-old Pomeranian, a ball of fluff that doesn't register on their weight scale.
Amanda Wilson is from Greenwich, but her husband and his family are from Bellville. She said the Fourth of July usually includes cards and fireworks.
"We wanted to come up here with family," Wilson said. "The Bellville parade is always so nice."
mcaudill@gannett.com
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Twitter: @MarkCau32059251
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Bellville recognizes America's Independence Day with parade
