It’s almost New Year’s Day, and many across this great country and around the world will be celebrating by watching the 135th Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California on January 1, 2024. This will be the second year in a row that the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks will have a float in the parade. The theme this year is “Celebrating the World of Music: The Universal Language.
The Elk’s U.S.A. float is titled “Chimes of Liberty / Protecting our Future” The float showcases the Elks’ impactful community work and their commitment to supporting the armed forces. The float features classic Revolutionary War fife and drum icons, highlighting battlefield communication, regimental pride, and identity. It also features the Preamble to the United States Constitution which takes center stage on the float, adorned with a revolutionary war bugle featuring intricate gold braiding. An oversized quill, representing the power of words, is also displayed next to the iconic BPOE clock. At the heart of the float, a majestic elk, the emblem of the BPOE, is nestled amidst the stars and stripes of the American flag, signifying the organization’s deep patriotism. The floral materials have no limit in creativity, with the big drum made of fine white ground rice and white mums and the Declaration of Independence made of ground oats, dark brown coffee, walnut shell, and black beans. The float is adorned with celebratory fireworks of red carnations and yellow strawflower at the rear, symbolizing the BPOE’s longstanding commitment to community service and its founding principles since 1868.
Riding aboard the float will be representatives from each of the six military branches including the Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force representing the Elks support of our nation’s veterans. Also, on board will be three young people from the Elks Antler’s Youth Program representing our nation’s future.
The parade will be broadcast live starting at 8 AM PST on ABC and NBC. To the right is a preview of the float and an interview with Past Grand Exalted Ruler Robert Duitsman.