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General, Taft grad, featured in Independence Day parade
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By Hannah Poturalski,
Staff Writer
9:46 PM Wednesday, June 29, 2011
HAMILTON — This year’s Independence Day honorary parade marshal is just as excited to return home as city officials are to see him back.
Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch will ride in the parade and give a speech following, focusing on the importance of educators and soldiers in the preservation of America’s independence.
“Keep people who want to deny our freedoms away from our front doors,” Lynch said, who fought in Iraq three years. “There needs to be aggressive, constant vigilance against known enemies.”
Lynch left Hamilton in 1973, after graduating from Taft High School, to attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Now 55, Lynch, commander of U.S. Army Installation Management Command, said it’s a blessing to return home. Lynch’s father still lives on Fairhaven Drive.
“All things I know to be true I learned in Hamilton,” Lynch said. “The values and work ethic from my parents and teachers.”
Mayor Pat Moeller said he’s eager for Lynch’s participation and speech. He said Lynch has made major contributions in terms of protecting the country and leading the military.
“It makes it more special to have someone of his stature and success,” Moeller said. “It’s truly a patriotic morning and makes you proud to live in Hamilton.”
Moeller said an additional 15 veterans are participating in the parade.
“It’s the biggest party the city has all year long,” Moeller said. “We do July 4 the right way.”
Bill Moller, deputy city manager of operations, said the city’s cost for overtime on July 4, 2010, was more than $12,000 — fire personnel $1,391; police personnel $6,538; and public works personnel $4,273.
The parade’s theme, “It’s a Grand Old Flag” reminds Lynch of the ultimate sacrifices made daily by members of the military.
“Freedom isn’t pretty and someone has to pay the cost,” Lynch said.
During the afternoon, leading up to the fireworks along the Great Miami River, the Demetrius Klein Dance Company will perform a contemporary dance in the middle building of the Historic Mercantile Lofts. “I like the idea of showing the dance to the community in a different way,” said Klein, who is from Hamilton. “The whole point is to see the space in its raw condition.”
Other free, live music performances include the Jack Carr Band and U.S. Air Force Band of Flight.
July 4 in Hamilton
All day: Taste of Hamilton with vendors such as Richards Pizza, Neal’s Cafe, and Flub’s
10 a.m.: Parade begins at Butler County Fairgrounds, up Ohio 4, High Street, and ends by courthouse on Front Street
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Open house at Heritage Hall and Butler County Historic museums and Butler County Soldiers, Sailors and Pioneers Monument
11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Native American and Pioneer demonstrations at Monument Park
Noon: Ceremony at courthouse gazebo, speech from Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch, music from Hamilton High School, parade float winners
3 p.m.: Dance performance by Demetrius Klein Dance Company at Historic Mercantile Lofts, 236 High St.
6 p.m.: Jack Carr Band by courthouse on Front Street
7:30 p.m.: U.S. Air Force Band of Flight “Systems Go” by Key Bank on Second Street
10 p.m.: Fireworks along Great Miami River by Rozzi
July 2-4: Free parking in George McDulin Garage, intersection of Third and Market streets
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