Seminary President Dr. Dale A. Meyer was honored to be invited to ride on the Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) float in the 128th Rose Parade Jan. 2. The annual parade featured floral floats, spirited marching bands and high-stepping equestrian units along the 5 1/2 mile route down Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, Calif.

The parade’s theme was “Echoes of Success” and the theme of the LHM Float was “Celebrate Jesus.” This year’s float highlighted the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.

Also on the float with Meyer was current Lutheran Hour Speaker Dr. Gregory Seltz and Lutheran Women’s Missionary League President Patti Ross.

The float was fronted by a man portraying Jesus standing at a replica of the Castle Church doors where Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses in 1517. The float also featured large church bells inscribed with the mottos of “Grace Alone,” “Faith Alone” and “Scripture Alone.”

According to LHM, thanks to the International Lutheran Laymen’s League’s Southern California District, the float is a 67-year tradition in the annual New Year’s event, carrying on a mission to provide a Gospel witness to viewers everywhere, from the parade route along Pasadena’s Colorado Boulevard to televisions all over the world. The float serves as the only Christian witness in the parade. The Tournament of Roses Parade is watched live on television by approximately 40 million Americans and by tens of millions more in countries around the world.