Ray "Uncle Sam" Mills will help residents and families ring the replica Liberty Bell one last time.

The Sun Citian steps down as the patriotic icon after the Ring That Bell ceremony Saturday at Bell Recreation Center. For 12 years, the 83-year-old has not only attended the annual event but visited local schools to teach children about the American flag's history.

"I'll miss this on a regular basis, but I think it's time for someone younger and in better condition to take over the reins," Mills said.

Mills said he's retiring as "Uncle Sam" because of his health.

"My legs are giving out on me, and you really don't want an Uncle Sam who hobbles around all of the time," he said with a laugh.

His wife, Betty, donned the Uncle Sam costume for three school events recently when Mills was feeling under the weather.

"Uncle Sam" was born, Mills said, through the idea of his wife and the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge's Phoenix chapter. The organization needed a volunteer to help teach students about the history of the flag.

"We wanted people, especially our children, to be proud of our flag and nation," said Betty Mills, who's played historic flag maker Betsy Ross.

Ray Mills decided to volunteer as "Uncle Sam," which eventually led to his appearances at the Ring That Bell ceremony.

"They had me there to begin with because you didn't want anyone tipping over while trying to ring that heavy bell," Mills said.

The World War II veteran said he might occasionally appear as "Uncle Sam," but really wants to find a replacement.

"We've been looking for the last two years and still can't anyone just yet, but I know someone is out there," he said. "The chapter will buy them the costume and you don't need a beard for this."

Betty Mills said she's proud of her husband and his efforts.

"I think we both realize how important it is to educate others out there about the importance of the flag, because it's a part of our nation's foundation," she said.

Ray Mills, who helped build the Sears Tower in Chicago, said he might miss playing his part in Ring That Bell more than his job as a construction supervisor.

"It might sound weird to say that, but I had so much satisfaction out of being Uncle Sam and teaching the kids about our country," he said.

The Ring That Bell ceremony will start at 9 a.m. Saturday in social halls 1 and 2 in the Bell Recreation Center. Constable Ron Myers of the Arrowhead Justice Court, which serves all of Sun City, part of Youngtown, most of Peoria and Glendale north of Bell Road, is the keynote speaker.