American Legion float wins 500 Festival Parade award

The American Legion's entry in the IPL Indianapolis 500 Festival Parade, entitled "Peace Through Strength," received the President's Award for Most Original Concept during a reception at the Expo Design facility in Indianapolis on Wednesday, May 23.

The float features a replica of the “America’s Response” monument which overlooks the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York City. Sculptor Douwe Blumberg was inspired to create the original sculpture after seeing a photo of Green Berets in Afghanistan just weeks after 9/11.

National Commander Denise H. Rohan will ride the float in the parade, joined by three members of Task Force Dagger team who became known as the "Horse Soldiers."

The actions of the Task Force Dagger team that included Mark Nutsch, Will Summers and Chris Spence not only inspired the “America's Response” monument, but also the 2018 film “12 Strong.” Two actors from the film, Geoff Stults and Kenny Sheard, will also be a part of The American Legion's parade presence.

The IPL Indianapolis 500 Festival Parade on Saturday, May 26, will be telecast in central Indiana on WTHR Channel 13, and nationally on NBC Sports Network. Follow the parade on social media channels by searching #IPL500PARADE.