Former Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords was announced Thursday as the grand marshal of the 2023 Rose Parade in Pasadena.
Giffords’ recovery from traumatic injuries epitomizes the 2023 Rose Parade theme, “Turning the Corner,” the Tournament of Roses stated in a news release.
“Almost all of us have the luxury to face our challenges in private and many of us also have the freedom to overcome or heal on our own timeline. But when one has no choice but to be both vulnerable and strong in public, with the whole nation watching, that calls for a special brand of bravery and that is why Gabby Giffords is the perfect example of how to turn the corner,” the statement read.
The grand marshal will ride in the 134th Rose Parade and participate at the Rose Bowl game on Jan. 2, 2023.
The parade and game will be held on a Monday this year due to a longstanding rule which prohibits the events from being held on Sundays.
“It’s a tremendous honor to serve as the grand marshal of the 134th Rose Parade. I love the theme of ‘turning the corner’—the idea that we all can make a conscious decision to go in a different direction, towards something better,” Giffords said.
Giffords joins a long list of grand marshals which has included president, movie stars, Olympians, and astronauts.
Actor/director LeVar Burton was named grand marshal for the 2022 Rose Parade.