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WOONSOCKET, S.D. (AP) Former Sen. George McGovern served as grand marshal of the Independence Day parade in Woonsocket, hometown of his late wife, Eleanor.

After leading the 68-entry parade, McGovern signed copies of his new book on Abraham Lincoln.

He also reminisced about his late wife, a 1940 graduate of Woonsocket High School, who teamed up with her sister to beat McGovern and his debate partner from Mitchell High School one year.

McGovern, who lost his bid for a fourth Senate term in 1980, was the unsuccessful Democratic candidate for president in 1972.

Information from: Huron Plainsman, http://www.plainsman.com/ (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 07-06-09 1105CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list