'Celebrating the Fourth'

Fire trucks, a marching band, a bagpipe band, military caravans, pro-life protesters and political campaign floats were just a handful of those present at this year's Monroe County Fourth of July Parade on Friday. Thousands of spectators, armed with cold drinks, blankets and lots of sunscreen, lined the streets of downtown Bloomington. Temperatures rose to the mid 90s as the sun beat down on those celebrating Independence Day. \nOne of those celebrating was this year's parade Grand Marshall, George Keller. Keller, donning a star-spangled tie, rode through downtown in a red Cadillac Deville convertible. \n"It is very encouraging to see this type of participation and turnout, and I am really impressed by the camaraderie and spirit décor," he said. \nKeller, an Evansville native and a World War II veteran, was selected post Veteran of the Year by American Legion Post 18 in Bloomington for his community involvement and was asked to lead this year's parade. He moved with his wife to Bloomington seven years ago from Cincinnati where he said he was very active in community events. \n"I am very happy to come back to Bloomington since my wife and I are both Hoosiers," Keller said. \nThis year's parade had a military theme as army caravans and an assortment of floats, including a Sept. 11 memorial depicting a firefighter and soldier raising the American flag over rubble, followed Keller's Cadillac through the streets of downtown Bloomington. \nAlso participating in this year's parade was the Bloomington Peace Action Coalition, which is a local organization working to promote the notion of peace through educational programs. \n"We wanted to be represented especially in this time of struggle -- one in which our country is involved with," said Gretchen Clearwater, Bloomington resident and member of the Coalition. \nOther participants in the parade included the Bloomington Fire Department, Monroe County Parent and Aid Program, Monroe County League of Women Voters, Bloomington Human Rights Commission, the pro-life American Life League and campaign supporters for candidates in the upcoming city council, mayor and governor elections. The bagpipe band of the Scottish Society of Greater Bloomington provided patriotic tunes and so did the Herald Times' marching band, made up of students from both Bloomington high schools. \n"It's great to see everyone out celebrating the Fourth," said Bloomington resident Beth Crain, who said she was particularly impressed by the marching band. \nThe parade was filled with patriotic and joyous supporters who were proud to be Americans and proud to be involved in this Monroe County event. \n"The parade is a good example of the variety of interests in Monroe County and an overall great day for the entire community," parade organizer Talisha Coppock said.