Commander rides award-winning float in Indianapolis parade

American Legion National Commander Denise Rohan hosted three members of Task Force Dagger, U.S. Army 5th Special Forces Group veterans Mark Nutsch, Chris Spence and Will Summers on the float entitled "Peace Through Strength." The float won the 500 Festival's President's Award for Most Original Design Concept, and featured a replica of the "America's Response" sculpture by artist Douwe Blumberg which overlooks the National 9/11 Memorial in New York City. Two actors from “12 Strong,” the 2018 movie also inspired by the Task Force Dagger team, Geoff Stults and former U.S. Navy Seal Kenny Sheard, followed behind the float in vintage Indianapolis 500 pace cars. The parade contingent also included a dozen Legion Riders, other state and national American Legion Family officers, Hoosier Boys State Alum and West Point Cadet Levi Baldridge and dozens of Indiana Legion Family members.
2nd District Vice Commander Larry Burkhart from North Webster, Ind., prepares to march in the IPL Indianapolis 500 Festival Parade . Photo by Clay Lomneth/The American Legion
2nd District Vice Commander Larry Burkhart from North Webster, Ind., prepares to march in the IPL Indianapolis 500 Festival Parade . Photo by Clay Lomneth/The American Legion
National Commander Denise Rohan hosts Task Force Dagger team members Chris Spence, left and Will Summers on the award-winning float, “Peace through Strength” during the IPL Indianapolis 500 Festival Parade. Photo by Clay Lomneth/The American Legion
National Commander Denise Rohan hosts Task Force Dagger team members Chris Spence, left and Will Summers on the award-winning float, “Peace through Strength” during the IPL Indianapolis 500 Festival Parade. Photo by Clay Lomneth/The American Legion
Sons of the American Legion National Commander Danny Smith and American Legion Auxiliary President Diane Duscheck wave to the IPL Indianapolis 500 Festival Parade crowd. Photo by Clay Lomneth/The American Legion
Sons of the American Legion National Commander Danny Smith and American Legion Auxiliary President Diane Duscheck wave to the IPL Indianapolis 500 Festival Parade crowd. Photo by Clay Lomneth/The American Legion
National Commander Denise Rohan hosts Task Force Dagger team members Mark Nutsch, left, Chris Spence, center and Will Summers on the award-winning float, “Peace through Strength” during the IPL Indianapolis 500 Festival Parade. Photo by Clay Lomneth/The American Legion
National Commander Denise Rohan hosts Task Force Dagger team members Mark Nutsch, left, Chris Spence, center and Will Summers on the award-winning float, “Peace through Strength” during the IPL Indianapolis 500 Festival Parade. Photo by Clay Lomneth/The American Legion
Steve Oeder cleans his bike before IPL Indianapolis 500 Festival Parade. Photo by Clay Lomneth/The American Legion
Steve Oeder cleans his bike before IPL Indianapolis 500 Festival Parade. Photo by Clay Lomneth/The American Legion
Members of the American Legion Department of Indiana carry the colors in advance of the National Commander during the IPL Indianapolis 500 Festival Parade. Photo by Clay Lomneth/The American Legion
Members of the American Legion Department of Indiana carry the colors in advance of the National Commander during the IPL Indianapolis 500 Festival Parade. Photo by Clay Lomneth/The American Legion
American Legion National Commander talks to
American Legion National Commander talks to "12 Strong” actor and former U.S. Navy Seal Kenny Sheard before the IPL Indianapolis 500 Festival Parade. Photo by Clay Lomneth/The American Legion
Department of Indiana American Legion Riders escort  the National Commander's float during the IPL Indianapolis 500 Festival Parade on Saturday, May 26, 2018 in Indianapolis, Ind. Photo by Clay Lomneth/The American Legion
Department of Indiana American Legion Riders escort the National Commander's float during the IPL Indianapolis 500 Festival Parade on Saturday, May 26, 2018 in Indianapolis, Ind. Photo by Clay Lomneth/The American Legion
Legion Family members from the Department of Indiana march in the IPL Indianapolis 500 Festival Parade. Photo by Clay Lomneth/The American Legion
Legion Family members from the Department of Indiana march in the IPL Indianapolis 500 Festival Parade. Photo by Clay Lomneth/The American Legion
11th District Vice Commander Clifton Morland of Fishers, Ind., greets members of the crowd as he marches along with The American Legion float, “Peach Through Strength” in the IPL, Indianapolis 500 Festival Parade. Photo by Clay Lomneth/The American Legion
11th District Vice Commander Clifton Morland of Fishers, Ind., greets members of the crowd as he marches along with The American Legion float, “Peach Through Strength” in the IPL, Indianapolis 500 Festival Parade. Photo by Clay Lomneth/The American Legion