Boeing will instill the
passion of math and science into the minds of children all over the
world New Year’s day. From its first float entry, “Expanding the
Limits,” to its fourth, “On the Wings of Imagination,” Boeing
continues to reinforce the same message every year — the knowledge we
instill in children today will create the discoveries and inventions
of tomorrow.
“Our participation in the Rose Parade is a symbol of our
commitment to the communities in which our employees live and work,
and where we do business,” said Bill Collopy, vice president and
general manager of Boeing Launch and Satellite Systems. “The Boeing
‘On the Wings of Imagination’ float is a tribute to our employees,
whose creative minds and expertise have paved the way to more than 85
years of historic and ground-breaking achievements. From building the
airliners that virtually invented civil air transport, to launching
astronauts into space, our employees continue to invent the future.”
The Boeing float design was inspired by the theme of this year’s
parade, “Children’s Dreams, Wishes and Imagination,” and the nation’s
upcoming celebration of the 100th anniversary of powered flight by the
Wright Brothers, which took place in 1903. In commemoration of this
historic milestone, Boeing will sponsor the pre-Rose Parade flyover
comprising aircraft from various aviation eras.
“On the Wings of Imagination” depicts a child’s dream of flight
powered by education and imagination, which is symbolized by school
books, a compass, globe, home-drawn blueprints and a red wagon
outfitted for flight. Co-piloted by the child’s faithful companion, it
will soar into the sky with the aid of a spinning propeller built from
the slats of a picket fence, an assortment of multi-colored balloons
and wings made from Boogie® boards.
After receiving initial input from Boeing on the theme and
direction of the parade entry, designers and craftsmen from Phoenix
Decorating set forth to create a truly imaginative float — one that
will “lift-off” more than 40 feet into the air, expand as wide as 18
feet and will extend to a length of 58 feet.
“It’s a pleasure to work with a company like Boeing,” said float
builder Bill Lofthouse, president of Phoenix Decorating Co. “The
creativity and enthusiasm of the company’s employees is inspiring —
and the perfect mix for Rose Parade participation.”
The Boeing Co. is the world’s leading aerospace company, with
its heritage mirroring the history of flight. It is the largest
manufacturer of satellites, commercial jetliners, and military
aircraft. The company is also a global market leader in missile
defense, human space flight, and launch services. Chicago-based Boeing
has an extensive global reach with customers in 145 countries.
