Construction on The American Legion’s Tournament of Roses Parade Float occurred this week. The float was constructed by the Phoenix Decorating Company, which is located in Irwindale, Calif., and has been building floats since 1985.
The American Legion’s float was featured during a recent KTLA segment highlighting the construction of parade floats. To watch the segment, click here.
The American Legion’s entry, which will be the third float in the 130th Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif., celebrates The American Legion centennial. National Commander Brett Reistad, Sons of The American Legion National Commander Greg “Doc” Gibbs and Auxiliary National President Kathy Dungan will be among those riding the float.
Four Medal of Honor recipients — Hershel “Woody” Williams, Ron Rosser, Walter “Joe” Mar and Britt Slabinski — will also be riding the float, as will a representative from each of the five military branches also will be on the float. Also included will be an American Legion Rider, youth program alumni such as 2018 American Legion Boys Nation president and Auxiliary Girls Nation president, a Samsung American Legion scholar, and Olympic gold medalist and American Legion air-rifle champion Jamie Corkish.
The American Legion float will travel the 5 1/2-mile parade route filled with hundreds of thousands of spectators and millions of viewers watching live on television. The Rose Parade will be broadcast live beginning at 8 a.m. PST. The parade is televised on ABC, NBC, Hallmark Channel and others. Check your local broadcast listings for more information
In the days leading up to the parade, a delegation of American Legion Family members and youth program participants will decorate it. On Dec. 30, the float will be judged along with others in the parade.
Also on Dec. 30, American Legion Post 13 in Pasadena will host a special black-tie event where Reistad, the four Medal of Honor recipients, other American Legion Family leaders, youth champions and others will be present. The event begins at 7 p.m. at the Legion post, 131 N. Marengo Ave. in Pasadena. For ticket prices and more information, call 626-792-2158 or email oldtownpost13@gmail.com. To register, please visit here.
