It’s the “Star Wars Spectacular” in the 118th Tournament of Roses Parade, which also featured Star Wars creator George Lucas as Grand Marshal.  Produced by Lucasfilm Ltd., the Star Wars Spectacular welcomed the World-Famed Grambling State University Marching Tigers band and featured two remarkable floats representing planets seen in the Star Wars saga. Most importantly, it showcased 200 members of the 501st Legion, a one-of-a-kind, global organization composed of Star Wars fans that includes Dr. Langlitz.

As the 200 members of the 501st Legion marched down the streets of Pasadena, CA, viewers everywhere were impressed with not only their marching skills, but their true dedication to the Star Wars saga and the characters they represent. But there's more to the 501st than the sea of troopers clad in white armor. 501st Garrisons are full of members who not only enjoy giving back to their communities by working with local charities, but they are also an impressive cross-section of professionals in every career field imaginable.

"I think it's important the public learn from the service-minded example the 501st sets," Legion founder Albin Johnson says. "If more people gave back to their communities while enjoying their hobbies, the world would be a much better place. Our club engenders a positive attitude of giving, not just taking. We actually gain from our friendships and the work we do. That's a unique experience few other hobbies can boast."

The 501st Legion contributes time and money to numerous charities including Ronald McDonald House, Toys-for-Tots, Make-a-Wish, Candle Lighters Fund, and the Jimmy Fund. Each garrison has also visited countless hospitals, daycare centers, schools and community centers to entertain children throughout the U.S. and around the world.

            “The members of the 501st are some of the most amazing Star Wars fans in the world,” said Tom Warner, senior director of marketing at San Francisco-based Lucasfilm Ltd. “They show their dedication by making their own replica costumes, and when George Lucas saw them first-hand around the world during the international premieres of Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith, he wanted to do something special to honor the extraordinary work they do for charities and their communities.”

            Early in 2006, Lucasfilm proposed the idea of the Star Wars Spectacular – a celebration filled with floats, costumed characters, Star Wars music and marching stormtroopers from 22 countries and 36 U.S. states – to the Tournament of Roses Parade committee, which responded enthusiastically.

            “At that point, we knew we had a formidable task to identify 200 members of the 501st who could do the grueling work of marching five and a half miles in full stormtrooper armor without a break,” Warner said.

            Lucasfilm’s Fan Relations department, headed by Steve Sansweet, put out a request for audition tapes from members who wanted to be considered.  In all, more than 700 of the 3,300 members around the world submitted videos.

            After carefully reviewing each entry, the 200 finalists were selected, including Dr. Langlitz. “It was no easy feat to be chosen,” Sansweet said. “We had very high standards for the costumes, the physical fitness of the members and the dedication that would be involved – each member will arrive in Southern California five days before the parade for a full series of rehearsals with the band and a drill master who is a Colonel in the U.S. Army Infantry Reserves. We want to create an experience that neither viewers nor the 501st members will ever forget.”

Star Wars fan part of Rose Parade

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