For more than 20 years in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, they proudly served as parade marshals, leaving a lasting impact on the town and instilling a deep love for the community in their families.

Now, as a tribute to their fathers, Dave Dahler, Dr. Doug Walters and Mark Torrance will march in this year’s parade, carrying with them cherished memories of those days.

That in itself is a touching story; it gets better, though.

Dave Dahler’s high school friends, the BFFs (Best Friends Forever) from the WAHS 1964 class, still keep in touch and have held regular video chats to catch up, banter, and laugh even while scattered around the globe.

Pictured are Dave Dahler, Dr. Doug Walters and Mark Torrence.

Jennifer Myers-Beckley of Rochester, N.Y.; Dr. Jerry Lauffenburger of Spokane, Wash.; George Loranger of Budapest, Hungary; Tom Tourtellott of San Diego, Calif.; Tom Smith of New Orleans, La., and Dave Dahler of Medina, Ohio, decided as an unofficial kickoff to the group’s 60th class reunion would be to build a float when traveling to Warren for the hometown Fourth of July celebration.

The BFFs then made plans over many video calls, texts, and phone calls to create a float to enter the parade representing the Class of 1964.

To add another layer to this sentimental story, the late Wally Post, a dedicated member of the Warren Jaycees since 1972 and instrumental in forming the Warren County 4th of July Organization, was a 1964 graduate of WAHS and will be remembered on the float.

On the float the BFFs are building, there will be a large dragon, a “throne” for Myers-Beckley, a disc jockey playing 1960s tunes, and an empty seat in memory of their friend, the late Wally Post.

“We are truly honored to be part of this decades-long celebration of our Country’s Independence,” Dahler said.

Times Observer photos by Heather Cathcart-Norris Dave Dahler, Tom Smith,Jerry Lauffenburger, Jennifer Myers-Beckley, George Loranger and Tom Tourtellott stand in front of the float.