Retired Col. Paris D. Davis, who was awarded the Medal of Honor in March -- nearly 60 years after being nominated for his heroism during the Vietnam War -- will be the grand marshal of Sunday's 91st Hollywood Christmas Parade.
"I am honored and very grateful to be chosen as Grand Marshal of the Hollywood Christmas Parade," Davis said shortly after the November announcement. "I am especially pleased that this wonderful annual tradition raises awareness of the important work that Marine Toys for Tots are doing to bring gifts and holiday cheer to those less fortunate. The parade also brings goodwill to people from all walks of life throughout the world. It's a good reminder about what America stands for, who we are, and all that we can accomplish when we come together."
Davis, one of the first Black officers to serve in the Army's elite Green Berets, was recognized "for his daring rescue of two severely injured soldiers during an intense battle in the Vietnam War" on June 18, 1965.
The now 84-year-old Davis was twice nominated for the nation's highest award for military valor in action, but the paperwork was lost or misplaced -- both times -- and he was awarded a Silver Star instead. His other military honors include a Purple Heart, a Soldier's Medal and a Bronze Star.
"Paris ... volunteered ... to serve a country that in many places still refused to serve people who look like him," President Joe Biden said during the March 3 Medal of Honor ceremony. "[He is] everything this medal means -- brave and big-hearted, determined and devoted, selfless and steadfast - - America."
Davis served as commander of the 10th Special Forces Group in Fort Devens, Mass. and was inducted into the U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame in 2019.
After retiring from the Army in 1985, Davis founded and published the Metro Herald newspaper in Alexandria, Virginia from the early 1990s until 2018.
Sunday's parade will step off from Orange Drive and Hollywood Boulevard and follow a U-shaped route east to Vine Street, south on Vine to Sunset Boulevard, west on Sunset, then back to Orange.
It will be co-hosted by actors Erik Estrada and Dean Cain along with media personalities Montel Williams, Laura McKenzie and Elizabeth Stanton.
Pre-parade entertainment will include the Village People, pop-opera singer Anna Azerli and The Grinch.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass will be among the celebrities and dignitaries participating along with dancer-singer Paula Abdul, singer Dwight Yoakum radio host Kerri Kasem, pop duo Aly & AJ and actors Chris Kattan, Craig Robinson, Ernie Hudson, Brandon Routh, Ming-Na Wen, Denise Richards and Tatyana Ali.
The parade will also feature 10 bands, six four-story-high character balloons, performances by the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles and California Springs Rhythmic Gymnastics. It will all be topped off with an appearance by Santa Claus.
The parade starts at 6 p.m. and will be taped for broadcast on the CW Network at 8 p.m. on Dec. 15.
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