Rose Parade 2006 Order (1-25)

The Spirit of America flyover also reminds parade viewers of the sacrifices that our forefathers, veterans and members of our Armed Forces have made. Many have paid the ultimate price for the many freedoms and opportunities that Americans enjoy and take for granted. As we enter into a New Year, the flyover team shares a quote from President Dwight Eisenhower's farewell address to the nation: "We pray," he said, "that people of all faiths, all races, all nations...will come to live together in a peace guaranteed by the binding force of mutual respect and love."

Pace Car - 2006 Honda Ridgeline (#0.5)

Setting the pace for the 117th Rose Parade at 2.5 miles per hour is the Honda Ridgeline, Honda's first-ever pickup truck. Powered by a standard 247-horsepower VTEC V-6 engine, the well-equipped Ridgeline introduces several innovative and exclusive new features to the half-ton truck segment including a secure, lockable, In-Bed Trunk™, a dual action tailgate and the segment's first fully independent, four-wheel suspension. The Ridgeline delivers vastly superior body rigidity, a spacious interior cabin and bed, outstanding safety performance and class-leading ride and handling performance. FTD florists complemented the pace car's appearance with beautiful floral decorations.

Band: Alabama A&M University Marching Maroon & White Band (#1)
Location: Normal, Alabama

Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University is a land-grant university. The founder and first president, William Hooper Councill, was an ex-slave who started the school as the Huntsville Normal School on May 1, 1875. The band program has been in existence since 1890. Many outstanding musicians and teachers are associated with the university including: William (W.C.) Handy, known as the "Father of the Blues," Wade Hammonds, the first black appointed as Chief Musician (Band Master in the United States Army) and currently, Arthur B. Wesley, II, Director of Bands since 1979.

The Marching Maroon & White Band plays marches, chorales, ballads, contemporary R&B and Top 40 hits. The band consists of 220 members: six leaders, five drum majors, 100 brass, 50 woodwinds, 32 percussion, 20 flag bearers and nine dancers.

Bayer Advanced ™ (#2)
Float Theme: Jack and the Rose Stalk

Fe fi fo fum—a happy giant has stopped to smell the roses that comprise the Bayer Advanced float "Jack and the Rose Stalk." This magical rose vine climbs more than 50 feet into the air, providing the tallest rose in Rose Parade history. The vine can reduce from its height to 17 feet to glide beneath a freeway bridge near the end of the parade route.

The gigantic vine is made up of real and sculpted roses and features the greatest variety of roses to be presented on a parade float. Bayer Advanced is the exclusive rose care product of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association. Bayer has won an award in each of its previous five years of Rose Parade participation.

Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard (#3)

The Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard is the last remaining mounted color guard in the Marine Corps today. The riders are currently serving as active duty members in the U.S. Marine Corps, stationed at the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Barstow, Calif. The horses are America's living legend: wild mustangs of palomino color acquired through the Bureau of Land Management "Adopt a Horse and Burro Program."

Since 1967, the Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard has represented the Marines in numerous events throughout the Western United States. Riders wear the Marines' military Dress Blue Uniform with ribbons and badges, white britches and black field boots. The horses are outfitted with black "Winthec" English saddles, handmade black bridles and breast collars with Marine Corps emblems and red and gold (Marine colors) blankets.

Marshal: Gunnery Sergeant Ivan Collazo Sanchez