PASADENA — On January 1, 2015 New Years Day the Tournament of Roses will celebrate its 126th Rose Parade presented by Honda. The theme of the parade is “Inspiring Stories” which “pays tribute to those who have loved unconditionally, persevered courageously, endured patiently and accomplished much on behalf of others.”

The first Armenian American Rose Float Association (AARFA) float will be joining the rest of the floats in the Parade and show the inspiring people and stories from the American Armenian community.

The colorful float features the head of an Armenian woman wearing a headdress in the center under a bush of Armenian plums, also known as apricots, and a tree of pomegranates, a symbol of Armenia. Bushels of grapes, representing the discovery of the world’s earliest known wine-making facility found in Armenia, are also featured.

An old carpet-weaving machine and a carpet leans against a structure representing the Armenian architectural style going back 4,500 years. On the opposite side of the float are two men playing the duduk, a woodwind instrument indigenous to Armenia.

The round Armenian eternity sign, an Armenian national symbol, white storks and the Armenian alphabet is also found throughout the design.

Several prominent American Armenians with inspiring stories will also ride on the float during the parade, including:

Gov. George Deukmejian and his wife Gloria, who served as the Governor of California from 1983-1991

US Federal Judge Samuel Der-Yeghiayan, the first Armenian immigrant federal judge in the United States.

Actress Angela Sarafyan who can be recognized from her roles in The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 and The Immigrant.

Attorney Mark J. Geragos, internationally celebrated trail lawyer who is a regular legal commentator on several TV networks.

Coach Jerry Tarkanian aka “Tark the Shark” famous Basketball coach at Long Beach State, Fresno State and University of Nevada Las Vegas where he lead them to a Championship during 1989-1990 season and the Final Four in the subsequent year.

Pasadena native Flora Dunaians AIWA-LA Founder and Executive Board Member. She has been involved with several community service organizations for more than 20 years.

Jill Simonian, Television Host, Reporter and Founder of popular blog The Fab Mom.

3 comments
  1. Although I am proud of our participation in the Rose Parade, I am not impressed by our float. All these flowers were bunched up without giving any specific form to the float. It was like bunch of bouquets put togather. The only thing that was obvious was Armenian eternity sign, but the rest? I am personally disappointed, I hope the next float will be better designed.

    1. Serj, Your response is typical of why we Armenians are always playing Identity catch up with the World. Why is it you just cant be proud of this acomplishment and support all those who gave of their time and money. I would probably bet all the Basturma in CA you are that typical Hye that complains and never donate a dime to anything. Get your negativity out of your *** and start supporting your fellow compatriots promoting our rich and beautiful culture, even if it is displayed as “bunch of bouquets”!

    2. Hi Serj,

      Thank you for taking the time to tell us about your disappointed experience with the American Armenian Rose Float Design. I am saddened to learn of your negative reaction to our First Armenian Float and i would like to encourage you to look more closely at the float design for every element that is in there which should tell you a story about Armenian identity, Armenian history, Armenian architecture, Armenian art, Armenian music, Armenian carpet, Armenian flowers, Armenian colors, Armenian natural beauty, Armenian Alphabets, Armenian birds, Armenian symbol, and Armenian Authenticity. We American Armenian are supper proud to say for the firs time entry to the Tournament of Roses Parade, that we have won the “President’s Trophy” Most Effective Floral Use & Presentation. I think you should be very proud and feel very good that you have been recognized all over the world 1.2 billion to be exact and over 90 countries. if you are still not satisfied then i still inspire you to go and see the float in person and see how big this float and what it takes to design it, build it and decorate it with organic flowers, fruits, seeds, vegetables, spices ingredients, and plants. All we want from all Armenians is to be proud of themselves that we exist on planet earth and that’s what the letter Է means on the top of the arch. EXISTENCE. I wish you a very Happy New Year and hope you turn your negative into positive and help us to design and build another Armenian Rose Float next year. Please donate whatever you can and tell all your family, friends, relatives, and neighbors that this float will never be accomplished without your help and donation.
      Thank you and check this video on youtube for more information about the design elements.

      http://youtu.be/qfeinFQzpT8

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