LIBERTY – It was early June in 1994 and John Hopkins had an idea, “How about a parade in Liberty on the Fourth of July?”

A native son of Liberty, John Hopkins was raised by his parents, James and Clara Hopkins, on Loomis Road alongside brothers, Jim, Kevin and the late Thomas Hopkins. (Today, Jim and Kevin still reside in Liberty with their wives, Linda Hopkins and Patty Hopkins).

Now, here in 2026, John says he is honored and proud to be asked to be part of Liberty’s July 4th Parade and Celebration, which is sponsored by Liberty Rising. Festivities will begin at 10 a.m. and the parade will step off at noon at the Elks Parking Lot and proceed to Oberfest St., to Church St. and then right on South Main St.

In addition to a parade and street fair there will be entertainment by the Luonga Brothers, depicting different eras of music history. There will also be fireworks at dusk from the cemetery and the best viewing spots are near the elementary school on North Main or by Bridge & Tunnel Brewery on Lake St.

Hopkins well known

Hopkins served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War era. After receiving an honorable discharge, he joined the Liberty Police Department, where he served for 20 years as a police officer and, for many years, as a juvenile officer.

Following his retirement from the Police Department, he began a second career with the Federal Government, serving as a police officer, criminal investigator, and Senior Training Captain until retiring after another 20 years of service.

He currently resides in Alabama, but Liberty has always remained close to his heart.

John invites all to join him on July 4 to march together in honor of our town, our village, our community, and the enduring freedom of the United States of America.