Louis Zamperini, the Olympic athlete who became a war hero during World War II, will be the Grand Marshall for the 2015 Tournament of the Roses, which will have the theme “Inspiring Stories.” Zamperini, who is now 97, will ride in the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California.
“Louis Zamperini’s life story illustrates the strength of human spirit in many ways,” Tournament of Roses President, Richard L. Chinen, said in a statement at a press conference. Chinen recounted how Zamperini went from a young Olympic athlete to fighting in the war. He survived 47 days on a raft before he was picked up by the Japanese and held as a Prisoner of War for over two years.
“His life is truly a series of ‘Inspiring Stories,’ and I am elated and humbled that he accepted our invitation to be the 2015 Grand Marshal,” Chinen added.
Zamperini said it was an “honor” to be named Grand Marshall. “Growing up in Torrance, the parade route on Colorado Boulevard is one I have been familiar with my whole life,” he said. “ I look forward to sharing the experience with my family and all the fans of the Rose Parade who will be watching.”
Zamperini wrote his story in Devil At My Heels and Seabiscuit author Linda Hillenbrand also recounted his life in Unbroken. Hillenbrand’s book is the source for Angelina Jolie’s movie of the same name. It stars Jack O’Connell and Garrett Hedlund and opens in December.
The 126th Rose Parade is scheduled for Jan. 1, 2015.