A speech from John Hancock

SPECIAL TO THE VINDICATOR William E. Johnson, dressed as the Colonial patriot John Hancock, stands between retired Lt. Col. Rod Hosler of Boardman, left, and retired Maj. Peter Mihai of Youngstown. At a recent meeting of the Mahoning and Shenango Valleys Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, Johnson was the guest speaker. He offered a glimpse of colonial history in Hancock’s persona. An actor in the stage play “1776,” Johnson also has written two fictional historical books about colonial days: “Snug Harbor Tavern” and “Seeds of Love — and War.” A former Navy aviator, Johnson lives in Youngstown and gives seminars nationwide. The next MSVC-MOAA meeting will take place jointly with the Mahoning Valley Chapter of the Reserve Officers Association Dec.8 at the Manor Restaurant, at the corner of state Route 46 and Kirk Road in Austintown. For reservations call 330-568-4456.