BIRMINGHAM NATIVE & PURPLE HEART AWARDED VETERAN NOAH GALLOWAY TO SERVE AS GRAND MARSHAL AT 2019 BIRMINGHAM CHRISTMAS PARADE & TREE LIGHTING
CONTACT: Mark Logsdon
PHONE: (615) 327-0100
EMAIL: mark.logsdon@plamedia.com
BIRMINGHAM NATIVE & PURPLE HEART AWARDED VETERAN NOAH GALLOWAY TO SERVE AS GRAND MARSHAL AT 2019 BIRMINGHAM CHRISTMAS PARADE & TREE LIGHTING
The Birmingham Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting will kick off at 4:30 PM CT on Sunday, December 8 with Birmingham’s Purple Heart awarded veteran Noah Galloway serving as the Grand Marshal alongside Mayor Randall Woodfin. Noah Galloway is a double amputee military veteran and motivational speaker that most recently competed on FOX’s American Grit and ABC’s Dancing with the Stars.
“This is my favorite time of the year because it allows us to reconnect with friends and family. And that’s what this holiday parade is all about – giving people the opportunity to come together in the spirit of celebration and fellowship,’’ said Mayor Randall L. Woodfin. “I’m glad that Noah Galloway, one of Birmingham’s favorite sons and warriors, has agreed to serve as grand marshal of our event. I’m looking forward to the parade and tree lighting, and I’m sure the public is, too.’’
“Growing up in Birmingham, I’ve always heard about the parade, but we never got the chance as a kid to see it,” recalls Noah. “The holidays always got so busy for my family. I am ecstatic to serve as the Grand Marshal and to share this moment, my first Christmas parade, with my kids and the great people of Birmingham. I hope everyone can come out so we can kick off the holiday together.”
Presented by the City of Birmingham and Birmingham Park and Recreation, the parade will start at 4:30 PM on Sunday, December 8 at Fifth Avenue South and 15th Street and proceed to Linn Park for the tree lighting. To guide you to your perfect viewing location, the full parade route is below:
Christmas Parade Route 2019
- Starting point: Fifth Avenue South and 15th Street South
- Proceed southeast to 17th Street South
- Turn left onto 17th Street South
- Turn right onto First Avenue South
- Turn left onto 20th Street South
- Continue down 20th Street to Park Place
- Turn right onto Short 20th Street North
For any organizations that would like to register for the parade, they can find additional information and the parade application at www.birminghamal.gov/xmas2019.
Noah will be riding in his Jeep Gladiator in the 2019 Birmingham Christmas parade to celebrate the “Jeep Gladiator to Gladiator” contest where Noah is partnering with Jeep to give a 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon to a U.S. Armed Forces Veteran. Submissions for the “Jeep Gladiator to Gladiator” contest will be accepted through Saturday, November 30 and more information and submissions can be entered at jeepgladiatortogladiator.com.
Noah most recently hosted the Veterans Day weekend of the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tenn. featuring performances from Mark Wills, Darryl Worley and Chuck Wicks. Alabama Governor Ivey also recently issued a proclamation making Noah’s birthday, October 28 “No Excuses Day” in the state of Alabama in honor of his work with veterans and his mental and physical health outreach. “No Excuses Day encourages Alabamians to embrace the No Excuses lifestyle by both investing in your community through volunteering and by encouraging fellow Alabamians to adopt a healthy mental and physical lifestyle to promote the well-being of all citizens and veterans throughout the state,” wrote Governor Ivey in the proclamation.
Fans can stay updated on Noah at the following:
Website: www.noahgalloway.com
About Noah Galloway
A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Sergeant Noah Galloway was assigned to the 1st of the 502nd Infantry of the 101st Airborne Division out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Just three months into his second tour of duty, Galloway lost his left arm above the elbow and left leg above the knee in an Improvised Explosive Device attack. He was transported to Germany to receive medical treatment, remaining unconscious for five days. After a long stint in recovery and rehabilitation, Galloway, like so many of his fellow disabled veterans, became withdrawn, out of shape and depressed. But late one night, he took a long look in the mirror and realized there was more to him than the injuries and he set a goal to get back in shape, be healthier and inspire others.
Now a fitness enthusiast and motivational speaker, Galloway continues to compete, participating in adventure races around the country, such as Tough Mudder, Spartan events, fitness competitions plus numerous 5Ks, 10Ks and marathons. Galloway also travels the country sharing his story, encouraging and motivating others to engage a “no excuses” lifestyle. Most recently, Galloway led his team to victory on FOX’s American Grit, where teams were tested with various military challenges. He also took third place as a finalist on Season 20 of ABC’s Dancing With the Stars. Following his appearance on the cover of Men’s Health Magazine, he was named the publication’s 2014 “Ultimate Guy.” Adding to the list, Galloway released his first book a memoir; Living with No Excuses the Remarkable Rebirth of an American Soldier. The book sheds light on his upbringing in rural Alabama, his military experience, and the personal battles he faced to overcome losing two limbs during Operation Iraqi Freedom.