MUSCATINE, Iowa – The Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GMCCI) has announced that this year’s Grand Marshals for the Fourth of July Parade will be five Muscatine-area veterans who recently earned their high school diplomas through Iowa’s Operation Recognition program.
The Grand Marshals are Frank Iliff (U.S. Navy, Vietnam), Richard Dummer (U.S. Army, Vietnam), Dennis Snyder (U.S. Navy), Richard Hill (U.S. Navy, Vietnam), and Kenny Schnedler (U.S. Army). These veterans were awarded diplomas as members of the Muscatine High School Classes of 2023, 2024, and 2025—decades after leaving school to serve their country.
“It is with great honor that we recognize these five individuals for their service and sacrifice in defense of our country, and to their dedication in earning their high school diplomas,” Brad Bark, President and CEO of GMCCI and Mayor of Muscatine, said. “We thank each and every one of you for your service.”
Operation Recognition honors Iowa veterans who left high school early to join the armed forces, offering them the chance to finally walk in graduation and receive the diplomas they earned in spirit long ago. More than 100 veterans statewide have participated in the program to date.
Thanks to the outreach efforts of Eric Sanders from Muscatine County Veteran Affairs, these five men were able to take part in the program and receive long-overdue recognition.
“For Eric to tell me I could receive my diploma after all these years from my hometown was truly an honor, because Muscatine is a wonderful place,” Iliff said.
The community is encouraged to come out and celebrate these heroes during the Muscatine Fourth of July Parade, which steps off at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, July 4, 2025, in Downtown Muscatine.