Millions of viewers watching
Star Wars Spectacular were treated to 200 marching stormtroopers and characters, dancing Twi'leks,
Star Wars music performed by the Grambling State University Marching Band, two magnificent
Star Wars floats and more as part of the 118th Tournament of Roses Parade on Jan. 1.
This rare assembly of stormtroopers and clone troopers showcased the pride of the
Star Wars saga's most ardent fan base -- the 501st Legion. The volunteer members of the 501st raise money for various charities and children's hospitals while displaying their love for
Star Wars by wearing handmade, exacting costume replicas. As the heart of the
Star Wars Spectacular, the 501st embody the spirit and fun behind the beloved film saga.
For four days, 501st members hailing from 22 different countries and 36 U.S. states trained under the close guidance of Colonel Anthony Toledo and various 501st drill instructors at a Pasadena high school football field. Teaching the troopers to march and hold flags representing the worldwide garrisons in unison was no easy task, but the troopers rose to the occasion."I don't have any military service experience, so this was my first time being trained in the standard Army way," Taiwan Garrison member Roy Waung says. "The fact that we only had three or four days to train to march when most outfits are trained in smaller groups for a much longer duration is amazing. It's such a moving experience to be among so many other 501st members. For the past eight years I had been wearing my armor with only a few other members in China, but here I am surrounded by so many of my fellow troopers and it feels like a real family."The 501st members stretched their physical limits during training together, ate meals together, celebrated New Year's Eve in the hotel lobby, marched en masse in the parade, and said goodbyes at the airport the next day. "After several days of training, sleeping, and laughing with almost 200 501st members that I've never met before, I realized what a bond we had all made in such a short time and it was a tremendous feeling," John Barrows Jr., a flag bearer from the 501st New England Garrison, says. "On the bus ride to the airport to go home, something amazing happened. When I started walking, every person on the bus stuck out his hand to shake mine. I didn't ask them to. They just did it out of friendship and camaraderie that we had all formed in such a short time."The troopers also trained alongside the Grambling State University Marching Band who dressed as Imperial officers and added their own high-stepping Drumline style to the three memorable Star Wars themes performed at the parade: the Main Title, The Imperial March and The Throne Room. The band's dance squad and flag team, dressed in Twi'lek costumes, added to the overall Star Wars experience.As the band and troopers trained, two floats were being constructed nearby as part of the Star Wars Spectacular portion of the parade. Volunteers helped construct elaborate floats that embodied the parade theme of "Our Good Nature." The Endor float depicted the Ewoks' noble quest to protect their forests. The village was decorated with bronze chrysanthemums and orange marigold flowers and the tree trunks with actual bark. Cornhusks and coco palm fiber made platforms and bridges. Exotic birds were made from carnation petals, strawflowers, cornmeal and paprika.On the second float, the planet of Naboo was showcased with multiple waterfalls and the majestic Palace of Theed. The building's domes were created with blue stattice flower petals, whereas the carved marble look of the statues was achieved with white cornmeal and ground yarrow and cinnamon. Volunteers also used various floral accents of orchids, sprays, and gladiolas to complete the look.
