Veteran Luke Cassidy Named Grand Marshal Of Richmond Christmas Parade

RICHMOND, Va., Nov. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Kids get ready!  When it gets this cold outside, you know it must be time for the annual Richmond Christmas Parade, sponsored by Dominion.

U.S. Marine war veteran Luke Cassidy has been named grand marshal of the parade this year and will lead the colorful and high-stepping marching bands and floats down Broad Street from the Science Museum to 7^th Street.

Cassidy, a 39-year-old Virginia native who now lives in Midlothian, was seriously wounded in the war in Iraq in 2004 when an improvised explosive device blew up under his Humvee.  He underwent months of treatment, multiple surgeries and ultimately one leg was amputated.

But Luke Cassidy is an example to us all.  He never gave up hope of leading the life he wanted to live.  With intense rehabilitation, he was soon walking, and not long after he was running an eight-minute mile.  Today he has a family and works in law enforcement for the Veterans Administration.

"It's a terrific honor to be the marshal of the Richmond Christmas Parade," said Cassidy.  "My message to all the kids out there is to keep the Christmas spirit in your heart and never give up on yourself no matter what.   Stay close to your family and help out when you can.  I hope to see you at this year's parade!"

In Richmond, the annual Christmas Parade marks the official start of the Christmas season, so don't miss out!  Thousands of people will be on hand to enjoy the festive spirit, the crisp December air and dozens of high school bands and floats.

"As our 30^th straight year, this is our diamond jubilee," said Robert Kelly, parade chairman.  "We want it to be the best ever, so come on out and enjoy the spectacle, get in the holiday mood and watch the amazing talent of everyone in the parade."

As usual, the parade will depart from the Science Museum on West Broad Street at 10 a.m. and continue east to its conclusion at 7th Street.  If you can't see it in person, watch it live on WTVR-CBS Channel 6 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., or see it on Christmas Day at 8:30 a.m.

For more information, visit www.richmondparade.com or call (804) 788-6478.

SOURCE Dominion