DETROIT — The Parade Co. has named Congressman John D. Dingell and Debbie Dingell as Grand Marshals for America’s Thanksgiving Parade, an 86-year tradition, and one of the country’s largest and longest-running parades on Nov. 22 along Woodward Avenue in Detroit.
“We look forward to welcoming Congressman Dingell and Debbie Dingell as America’s Thanksgiving Parade Grand Marshals as we celebrate 86 years of parade history,” said Tony Michaels, president & CEO of The Parade Company. “The Dingells work tirelessly to advance our community and are role models to us all. It is a privilege to be able to honor them on Thanksgiving morning.”
Congressman Dingell, the longest serving member of the House, habs been a champion for the environment. He has worked to save both the Detriot and Rouge Rivers. Dingell wrote the Endangered Species Act, the 1990 Clean Air Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, and authored legislation creating America’s first International Wildlife Refuge along the Detroit River.
Debbie Dingell, president of D2 Strategies and chair of the Manufacturing Initiative of the American Automotive Policy Council, has a strong history of public service as an active civic and community leader in both Michigan and Washington, D.C. and is a recognized national advocate for women and children. She currently chairs several boards, initiatives and committees and sits on numerous cultural, health, social services and civic boards in both Michigan and Washington, D.C., including The Parade Company, where she has been chairperson and is an executive board member. Dingell has served as president of the GM Foundation and was executive director of public affairs.
“The traditions and memories The Parade Company creates with family events such as the beloved America’s Thanksgiving Parade are integral components of bringing this community together,” said Debbie Dingell. “The Parade Company has always held and will continue to hold a special legacy in our hearts and does a wonderful job of shining a grand spotlight on Detroit each year.”
America’s Thanksgiving Parade will step-off on Woodward Avenue in Detroit at 9:15 a.m. The two-hour Parade will be featured on WDIV-TV Local 4 including a one-hour national broadcast in approximately 140 markets and cities nationwide. News/Talk 760 WJR will also broadcast live from the Parade. For more information on The Parade Company, visit www.theparade.org or call 313-923-7400.
