BROOKLINE – During the town’s July 4 celebration, residents should keep an eye out for the honoring of a particular person who has contributed a significant portion of her life to the town – Rena Duncklee. She will lead the July 4 parade as Grand Marshall.

“We will be honoring her at the parade for her years of service as an employee for the town and for her continuing service,” said Tad Putney, town administrator for Brookline.

After 32 years of serving Brookline, something that particularly stands out in her mind is the growth of the town, she said.

The significant way in which it has increased – beginning at a population of 1,766 in 1980 to a current 5,000 – has been difficult for her to ignore, she said. The population increase has become overwhelming, leading to the acquisition of a town administrator this year.

When asked about her feelings on being elected as Grand Marshall, Duncklee said although she normally prefers to stay in the background, “It is an honor and I am very proud.”

Her first day at town hall is still a vivid memory in her mind. She began working four years after her son started first grade, and four years after she and her family moved to the town. Perhaps, it was the smooth transition on her first day at work that stuck out in her mind, because she has been there ever since.

“This job has clearly been a big part of my life. It was the job I worked while putting my son and daughter through elementary, middle and high school,” she said.

Cindy Gorgoglione, a member of the Brookline Lion’s Club who assists in hosting the parade and whose other duties include choosing the Grand Marshall, said Duncklee is well deserving of the honor.

“We voted at the Lion’s Club to have her be the Grand Marshall for all of her 32 years here. She is the type of person who goes above and beyond. She knows so much about the town and the history. As a secretary, she knows the ins and outs of the town,” Gorgoglione said.

The parade, sponsored by the Hollis Brookline Rotary Club and Lion’s Club, kicks off at 10 a.m., beginning at the intersection of Cross and S. Main streets and ending at Richard Maghakian Memorial School.

Immediately following the parade, the Brookline Lions and the Hollis Brookline Rotary will sponsor an old-fashioned family cookout on the baseball field, consisting of free food, a tug-of-war, three-legged races, a sack race, face painting and games.