American Armenian Float to Debut in 2015 Rose Parade on January 1st

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.