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Lexington student participates as The American Legion 2019 Rose Parade float celebrates its 100th an

Lexington, South Carolina resident Hoda Abdalla featured as one of 20 riders from communities across America

Indianapolis, IN – Lexington teen and student Hoda Abdalla,who was elected the 2018 American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation President, was honored to ride along in style in one of the most prestigious parades in the nation recently. The American Legion kicked off 2019 by celebrating the organization’s 100th anniversary in the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California. The American Legion is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization and the float theme highlighted a century of advocating for veterans, servicemembers, and their families while providing impactful programs that have shaped the fabric of communities across America.

Completely covered with flowers or other natural materials, the float featured a 19-foot tall American bald eagle with a 40-foot wing span outstretched over four pillars representing the mission of The American Legion — Youth, Americanism, National Security, and Veterans. On the base of the float was a floral celebration of the American flag led by a field of red poppies, which symbolize the service and sacrifice of the servicemembers who paid the ultimate price while protecting our nation’s freedoms.

“It was such a pleasure to participate in the 2019 Rose Parade and share our centennial message of ‘Still Serving America’,’’ said Brett Reistad, national commander of The American Legion. “The Rose Parade was an excellent opportunity to showcase the legacy and vision of the American Legion and to highlight the many American Legion programs and services that impact communities across America.”

Riders on the float included four Medal of Honor recipients, the national commanders of the American Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion and a representative from each of the five branches of the U.S. armed forces. The float also featured participants from many signature programs of the American Legion.

For more information about The American Legion or to view additional pictures, visit legion.org.

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