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Remember, Reflect, Renew: Special Rose Parade Float Honors 9/11 Victims

Of all the floats in this year’s Rose Parade, one in particular is much more than just a float. “It’s a dream come true for me,” Jerry Thomsen told KABC-TV. “This is something I’ve wanted to do for nine years.”

When America was attacked on September 11, 2001, Thomsen and some of his fellow Los Angeles firefighters headed to Ground Zero to help. Now, he and other firefighters are working to honor their fallen comrades in a most unique way. Thomsen’s dream will be realized when a special Rose Parade float honoring 9/11 victims is prominently featured in the 2011 Tournament of Roses Parade.

“I‘ve heard ’never forget’ for a long time, and I think we’ve forgotten about our heroes that we lost,” he said. KABC reports:

The front of the float honors the hijacked United 93 flight. The middle commemorates the Pentagon. The rear depicts New York City.

The float will be lined with roses, each of them with a different 9/11 victim’s name on it. A fire hydrant found in the Ground Zero rubble will also be on the float.

Merill Mielke, who has worked on floats for 38 years, says this one is most special.

“It has a lot more meaning behind it. It’s not just a beautiful thing. It’s really bringing memories back,” she said.

The float’s theme is “Remember, Reflect, Renew” — a message Thomsen says fits perfectly with the annual New Year’s celebration.

Comments (39)

  • Armaggedon
    Posted on January 2, 2011 at 8:48am

    The “float” that is needed is the one with the theme” question with boldness…CONTROLLED DEMOLITION…who blew up the WTC and building 7?

    Report Post »  
  • justice
    Posted on January 2, 2011 at 8:17am

    Even the Families of the Americans who lost their lives, know how great this country can hold up together through tragedy. God Bless America.

    Report Post »  
  • SilentReader
    Posted on January 1, 2011 at 11:37pm

    CURATOR_JDR,

    Thanks for sharing that memorial 9/11 painting with us. I had not seen it.

    Report Post » SilentReader  
  • SilentReader
    Posted on January 1, 2011 at 11:26pm

    I watched the Rose Parade this morning and I was very happy to see the float honoring the firefighters’ fallen comrades who went to rescue the almost 3000 Americans who were mass-murdered by the Islamists on 9/11.

    Keep up the great work preserving the memory of the great sacrifice of so many first responders, on that day that will live in infamy, and will never be forgotten.

    Report Post » SilentReader  
  • dontbotherme
    Posted on January 1, 2011 at 9:15pm

    I did not see the float. God bless these men for making it. I am saddened that too many Americans have forgotten what happened to all of us on that day. Perhaps it is time to start reminding people again by televising the news coverage & photos of the act of war committed against us on 911.

    Report Post »  
  • creativeryder
    Posted on January 1, 2011 at 8:59pm

    @ Thirteenthghosts I may have broken both legs in a horrific accident last year, but would love to meet up with you sometime for your last cup of coffee…

    Report Post » creativeryder  
  • 82dAirborne
    Posted on January 1, 2011 at 8:19pm

    du·ty   /ˈduti, ˈdyu-/ Show Spelled
    [doo-tee, dyoo-] Show IPA

    –noun, plural -ties.
    1. something that one is expected or required to do by moral or legal obligation.
    2. the binding or obligatory force of something that is morally or legally right; moral or legal obligation.
    3. an action or task required by a person’s position or occupation; function: the duties of a clergyman.
    4. the respectful and obedient conduct due a parent, superior, elder, etc.
    5. an act or expression of respect.
    6. a task or chore that a person is expected to perform: It’s your duty to do the dishes.
    7. Military .
    a. an assigned task, occupation, or place of service: He was on radar duty for two years.
    b. the military service required of a citizen by a country: After graduation, he began his duty.

    Report Post » 82dAirborne  
    • Rn mom
      Posted on January 2, 2011 at 4:58pm

      Many NYers MADE it their duty to respond, let’s see what happens next time. The first responders were lied to by “experts” the entire time- first they were told the building weren’t going to collapse, then they were told that everyone should stay in their offices (further complicating evacuation), then they were told the air held nothing dangerous in it. Nice job government. IMO those heroes were led like lambs to the slaughter house by the very people they relied on to lead them.

      Report Post » RN MOM  
  • 82dAirborne
    Posted on January 1, 2011 at 6:56pm

    @13th

    Do you realize there are U.S. Military members/amputees that are on Food Stamps because they can’t feed their families? Where are the millions for them? What’s an arm or a leg worth in todays market?

    You know why they don’t get millions?? They understood the job they took could be very dangerous. They knew that horrible things might happen to them. Most importantly: They don’t go to court for what happens to them in the course of doing their duty!

    The 911 first responders should have every last medical bill paid by the people of the United States and they should get enough money to take care of them. They should not become rich because they did their duty as they saw it at the time.

    Report Post » 82dAirborne  
    • Rn mom
      Posted on January 2, 2011 at 4:52pm

      They deserve more than millions. These guys got so sick because the US government and the EPA (headed by the Former NJ Gov. Christie Todd Whitman) told all the responders not to worry, the air quality was good, no need for masks. These people were lied to, and suffered horrible illness as a result. I have a friend who cleaned up the mess and a few years later was diagnosed with 8 different types of cancerous tumors in his body. Do you know how impossible it is to get 8 different TYPES of cancer? His doctors told him it was due to his 9-11 clean up involvement.

      Report Post » RN MOM  
  • EqualJustice
    Posted on January 1, 2011 at 6:43pm

    Really nice tribute to the innocent people who died that day….

    Report Post » EqualJustice  
  • Canuck GB Fan
    Posted on January 1, 2011 at 6:02pm

    Beautiful and touching tribute!

    Report Post » Canuck GB Fan  
  • Tuesday
    Posted on January 1, 2011 at 4:30pm

    Wonderful! This is the best float in the Parade! God bless America! Let’s never forget.

    Report Post » Tuesday  
  • spreadcommonsensenot pc
    Posted on January 1, 2011 at 3:10pm

    and following the 9/11 float will be the PC muslims on camels……………..(following the camels) shultz, madcow, oberwomen being
    “shovel ready”—

    Report Post »  
  • AzDebi
    Posted on January 1, 2011 at 2:10pm

    I’m not trying to take anything away from this…It is awesome! What a great idea! God Bless all those involved…

    I want to post about a you tube video I received regarding the Gulf Oil Spill…I’ve seen videos posted by this woman in the past, she has been involved from the beginning…has fought hard to make certain that the fishermen weren’t forgotten by BP…this is frightening info…Is anyone familiar with this?

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cksCB7HF-YI

    Again, I mean no disrespect by posting this…just want to share FYI…

    Report Post » AzDebi  
  • rojotx
    Posted on January 1, 2011 at 2:06pm

    I saw the float and was very happy to see it! It was good to see some remembrance for those that were lost!!

    Report Post » rojotx  
  • darlenekay
    Posted on January 1, 2011 at 2:01pm

    I watched the parade. It was a beautiful float. Nice tribute.

    Report Post »  
  • 13thGenerationAmerican
    Posted on January 1, 2011 at 1:47pm

    Now all we need is justice for the 9-11 Firemen and Policemen who became ill digging that mess out. The GOP basically told them to go to hell but thanks to smart people, they will now be taken care of.

    Put that in your prayer pipe and smoke it.

    Report Post » 13thGenerationAmerican  
    • tower7femacamp
      Posted on January 1, 2011 at 2:03pm

      yes they should pay them all
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngEcDq2umwk&feature=related

      Report Post » tower7femacamp  
    • 82dAirborne
      Posted on January 1, 2011 at 2:08pm

      You must know what you said is false. The “GOP” wanted to cap what the doctors (who stood to charge up to 140% higher than normal) and the blood sucking lawyers would take from the deal. The GOP want the funds to go to the first responders who are sick and deserve the money. How can anyone argue with that reasoning?

      I have read enough of your posts to know that you are not stupid so you must lie for fun. Sometimes crap happens. Not due to the Right or the Left. It just happens. It’s called LIFE.

      Report Post » 82dAirborne  
    • 82dAirborne
      Posted on January 1, 2011 at 2:16pm

      @82dAirborne – That should read “….140% of normal….”

      Report Post » 82dAirborne  
    • AlaskaRick
      Posted on January 1, 2011 at 3:51pm

      13th G, “but thanks to smart people.” That’s some funny stuff. I‘m sure you think you’re one of those smart people. Answer me this one question with your brilliant mind. At what point does our government stop paying for calamities that befall the citizenry?

      Report Post » AlaskaRick  
    • snowleopard3200 {cat folk art}
      Posted on January 1, 2011 at 4:39pm

      @82nd Airborn

      Dead on the money.

      @13thgen

      If this place keeps irritating you so much as your postings seem to indicate why do you keep coming back?

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • EqualJustice
      Posted on January 1, 2011 at 6:42pm

      13thGenerationAmerican
      You’re full of BS. The DEMOCRATS had FULL control of both houses and the WH. How on earth do you think REPUBLICANS stopped that legislation? Here’s a copy of a post of mine from earlier this month! You should use FAVTS and not just liberal lefty talking points!!
      “It seems a shame that this administration has had the bill for all this time and now decides to try and shove it through during the lame duck. I feel that opposition to this bill is justified because no one knows how the funds will be distributed and by who? The last several funds have been so botched and so plagued with fraud that questions SHOULD be asked. A few more weeks to check out details wouldn’t hurt much at this point so it can be done right! Everyone agrees these heroes deserve help, but let’s try to make sure the money goes to THEM and not the legal firm bogged down with false and fraudulent claims making $850,000.00 a month just to administer the funds! Do it right for our heroes and let’s not cheat them. We need to be sure there is NO FRAUD and NO outrageous administrative costs involved. This is a LOT of money and we should do this right. Colburn is absolutely correct! They are making it about partisan politics, as usual. They have control, but blame the Republicans for the hold up? PROTECT THESE heroes and their funds, please. Don’t let this administration get their hands on it.”

      Look what happened in the gulf oil spill. The SAME guy, Kenneth Feinberg, was in charge of the Agent Orange fund for Viet Vets and the 9.11 family & victims fund and was appointed to the BP fund distribution. Ironic that he was REPLACED just this past 9.11.

      http://neworleanscitybusiness.com/blog/2010/10/05/problems-plague-bps-oil-spill-compensation-fund/
      http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/press/resolution-damages-bp-spill,1594209.html
      http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101005/ap_on_bi_ge/us_gulf_oil_spill_claims
      http://www.boston.com/news/science/articles/2010/12/22/lawyers_urge_judge_to_order_changes_to_bp_spill_fund_rules/

      (Example of ‘cost of distribution’) The plaintiff’s lawyers also want claimants reminded that BP is paying Feinberg’s firm $850,000 a month to administer the fund, so I agree with the REPUBLICANS.. make sure the 9.11 first responder funds go to the HEROES, not the lawyers and scam artists! They are right to have checks and balances included in the language of the bill.

      Report Post » EqualJustice  
    • RobertCA
      Posted on January 1, 2011 at 7:24pm

      @ 82DAIRBORNE Thank You !!!!!!!!!!

      Report Post » Robert-CA  
  • neverending
    Posted on January 1, 2011 at 1:41pm

    WOW – This is so awesome – thank you guys as I did not see the parade. Can’t bring myself to even turn it on anymore. God Bless these guys and all who worked so hard to make it happen. I can‘t help but wonder where barry’s boys were to stop it!!!

    Report Post »  
  • tower7femacamp
    Posted on January 1, 2011 at 1:40pm

    There is no time limit for Justice and Karma

    Report Post » tower7femacamp  
    • snowleopard3200 {cat folk art}
      Posted on January 1, 2011 at 1:58pm

      Agreed.

      I keep waiting for the day Bin Lauden wakes up in the cave of his and sees a set of eyeballs and a barrel of a pistol right before meeting his Allah with a hole in his head.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • tower7femacamp
    Posted on January 1, 2011 at 1:39pm

    we should never forget our brave men and women
    and we should always seek justice for their murder
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CRC3ImjoTI&feature=related

    Report Post » tower7femacamp  
  • NickDeringer
    Posted on January 1, 2011 at 1:29pm

    Don’t let Woopie Goldberg and Joy Beeeeeeehar see this!!

    Report Post » NickDeringer  
    • walkwithme1966
      Posted on January 1, 2011 at 4:14pm

      Hey, got off their backs – ok, there is no reason to dish them on this subject! http://maboulette.wordpress.com

      Report Post » walkwithme1966  
    • Tuesday
      Posted on January 1, 2011 at 4:32pm

      Why not? Those two ought to be made to keep the flowers in the float fresh for the next month or so. Even that won’t be enough penance for their inanity, especially in the subject of Americanism!

      Report Post » Tuesday  
    • RobertCA
      Posted on January 1, 2011 at 7:28pm

      @ WALKWITHME1966
      I‘m sure we’re gonna hear a lot of voices getting offended by this float cause all of these loons forgot where they live & forgot the colors of the American flag .
      GOD Bless America .

      Report Post » Robert-CA  
  • BurntHills
    Posted on January 1, 2011 at 1:17pm

    wow.

    Report Post » BurntHills  
    • snowleopard3200 {cat folk art}
      Posted on January 1, 2011 at 1:38pm

      Amen. There is still a lot of good here in America.

      We must never forget those who have fallen, on that day, or since.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Curator_JDR
      Posted on January 1, 2011 at 1:43pm

      By request, on 9/11/2010, artist Marc Rubin and I were in NYC with his 7ft x 14ft masterwork “Atrocity 911” to serve as a standing memorial outside the Ground Zero memorial service. Thousands saw and photographed the painting. Print, TV and blog media interviewed the artist for 3 hours, but nothing made it to the public. Video photo montage: http://www.marcrubin.com/911-2010.ivnu

      In keeping with irony and humor, here is the first animated episode of “The Hairmerica Chronicles” which shows the Progressives as the insane “head up the butt” people they are. http://www.marcrubin.com/hairmerica.ivnu It is very funny.

      Report Post » Curator_JDR  
    • Sledgehammer
      Posted on January 1, 2011 at 6:59pm

      In remembering, we will be united, strong, and unstoppable! This is what the enemies of the idea that is America fear!

      Report Post » Sledgehammer  

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