NEW ORLEANS (press release) – On Saturday, Feb. 22, the Legion of Mars will feature true hero-celebrity guest riders including New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) officers, U.S. Military members, Los Angeles firefighters, local healthcare workers, and former Saints punter and Super Bowl champion Thomas Morstead.
The Legion of Mars krewe is comprised of active duty military, veterans, first responders, and patriotic civilian friends and supporters who ride in a “Parade of Patriots,” with themed floats saluting each branch of the Armed Forces, plus local police and fire departments and other first responders.
The parade rolls at 11:30 a.m. on the traditional Uptown New Orleans route Feb. 22.
“In our 12th year, we pay tribute to true American heroes riding in our Mars Parade, namely the four NOPD Officers who saved lives on New Years Day, brave members of the Los Angeles Fire Department, and several wounded warriors,” said Legion of Mars Krewe Captain Rico Alvendia. “These heroes have impacted the lives around them for the better. This ride is a small token of thanks from our Mars Krewe and our distinguished riders: U.S. Congressman Troy Carter, State Rep. Delisha Boyd, members of our New Orleans City Council, and our 2025 Grand Marshall, USMC Lieutenant General Anderson!”
The Krewe will feature true hero-celebrity guest riders including four NOPD officers who responded to the New Year’s Day terror attack:
- NOPD Sgt. Nigel Daggs
- NOPD Ofc. Jacobie Jordan
- NOPD Ofc. Christian Beyer
- NOPD Ofc. Joseph Rodrique
These officers will ride on a Louisiana float, which Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser donated for this special purpose. This New Orleans Heroes float will be float #6.
Additionally, former Saints punter and Super Bowl champion Thomas Morstead will ride alongside several wounded warriors and American heroes on a float built to resemble a tank, which will close out the parade as float #18.
“As we join in the Mardi Gras festivities New Orleans is known for, it is great to see the members of the Mars Krewe work to incorporate the men and women who have given so much to our community and country,” said U.S. Congressman Carter. “I’m excited to ride with the krewe and share in the celebration with some of our local heroes.”
While Louisiana faced several challenges at the start of the year, families in California were battling devastating wildfires that destroyed thousands of homes. In recognition of the bravery of the men and women fighting these fires, the “Legal Eagles” float, led by Float Lieutenants Kiley Grombacher and Bryan Aylstock, is sponsoring three firefighters who combatted these flames, in partnership with the Widows, Orphans, and Disabled Firefighter’s Fund.
“The resilience and sacrifice of these firefighters embodies the true spirit of service. Even in the face of personal loss, they stood strong to protect others,” said Grombacher and Aylstock. “We are honored to welcome Eric Gonzelez, Michael Perea and Wesley Brinson to the Mars Krewe to recognize their bravery and selflessness.”
The 2025 Mars Parade will also include the new “Mars Healthcare Heroes” float dedicated to the patriotic healthcare professionals and advocates who take great care of our community.
Dr. Neil Jolly, the Healthcare Heroes float lieutenant and interventional pain physician at Louisiana Pain Specialists, spearheaded this initiative, stating, “For more than a decade the Mars Krewe has gone above and beyond to recognize first responders and military heroes. I am proud to step it up a notch this year with the addition of this float dedicated to local healthcare workers, supporters, and patient survivors across all local institutions. Every person on this float plays a role in our community’s health and wellbeing.”
Thanks to donations from members of the community to www.MarsHeroFund.org in all amounts—from $5 to thousands of dollars —all of the parade’s American hero guest riders will ride totally free of charge.
The full parade will feature the U.S. Marine Corps band and more than 500 riders on 20 floats provided by Kern Studios.
The Mars Krewe welcomes donations of any amount to support the krewe’s year-round philanthropic activities for veteran families and first responders in need. Donate at www.MarsHeroFund.org.
