The Warren Area Jaycees Alumni will play a significant role in the parade and have been named its Grand Marshal.

The Jaycees, before they were disbanded, ran the parade.

“When the Jaycees were formed in 1948, the guys who ran the parade in ’47 became the Jaycees,” former Jaycee and Jaycee Alum Don Nelson said. “All of these guys were veterans of World War II. They had an overwhelming sense of patriotism and community.”

The Warren chapter was the 44th in the state. At one time, it was the seventh largest chapter in the state, with 55 members.

Pictured is the charter of the Warren Jaycees, founded in 1948.

But, the numbers dropped over time and the local chapter fell below the minimum. The charter was revoked.

Nelson and the other alumni would welcome the opportunity to help get a new Warren chapter started.

“Warren has suffered because we don’t have that entity any more,” Nelson said.

“There’s a lot of symbolism on this float,” Nelson said.

The pith helmet will be featured at one end.

Pictured are the founders of the Warren Jaycees meeting in 1948.

“Each chapter had its own specific headgear so they would stand out” at gatherings and events, Nelson said. The Warren chapter chose the pith helmet.

Nelson was not a fan at first.

But, “there’s a reason why the postman wears a pith helmet,” he said.

After a few parades in the hot sun and a few in the rain, the helmet looked pretty good.

In addition to the pith helmet, there will be fireworks, some chairs – representing a Warren tradition, a roster of former Jaycees, and the Jaycee creed: “We believe: that faith in God gives meaning and purpose to human life; that the brotherhood of man transcends the sovereignty of nations; that economic justice can best be won by free men through free enterprise; that government should be of laws rather than of men.”

Nelson thanked Tim Koebley for allowing the alumni to store and work on their float in his warehouse and the Warren County Historical Society for providing assistance in uncovering the history of the organization.

“The sponsors for this thing have been amazing,” he said.

“This float is about honoring those who have served on the organization,” Nelson said.

He picked out some names from his past with the Jaycees – Wally Post, LeRoy Schneck, Charles Tranter, Rex Rossey, Alan Blair, Wayne Tripple, and Bill Clinger, among them. “The deepest and dearest friends I have are people I served with on the Jaycees.”

Post past away on June 4.

“If not for Wally Post, there’s no 4th of July Celebration,” Nelson said. “He saved it.”

Former Jaycees who would like to be part of the celebration are encouraged to contact Nelson at warrenjaycees75@gmail.com. “We are trying to reach former members,” he said.

The group is getting together for breakfast and lunch surrounding the parade and members are encouraged to walk or ride with the float, alumnus Randy Rossey said. “Show up and have a good time.”