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Grand marshal hoping for big parade turnout |
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Wednesday, June 25 2008 |
By BECKY HAND
Community editor
The grand marshal of the 105th Old Settlers Day and Legion Festival parade for 2008 is Richard Stark, who has been commander of the American Legion seven times.
He is now adjutant, which he has been for 22 years, even while commander, and has been a member of the American Legion for 36 years.
Stark served in the U.S. Army from 1970-73 spending part of his term in Germany during the Vietnam War.
In preparation for the parade he has been practicing “the wave” and will be riding with his wife, Phyllis.
Calling himself a “cheesehead,” he is originally from Minnesota, lived in Wisconsin (hence the nickname) and then moved to Indiana with the many other imports of the GM Plant. He has a daughter, stepdaughter and one stepson in Wisconsin and one stepdaughter in Columbia City. He has 8 grandchildren, all in Wisconsin.
Besides the parade, he will be helping to man the Legion Bingo tent which began Tuesday. Hours for bingo are Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 5 to 11 p.m. and Thursday and Saturday (bracelet days) from 3 to 11 p.m.
Stark says he grew up in veteran’s organizations, as his father, Richard Stark served in the Marines in World War II. “It’s like my second home.”
Stark is looking forward to the parade and hopes everyone will come out and enjoy the events. This is the Legions biggest fund raiser of the year. |
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Last Updated ( Thursday, June 26 2008 )
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