CraveOnline.com, April 23rd, 2007
The 501st Legion (aka Vader’s Fist) is a dedicated group of Star Wars fans that gather in costume (primarily as Stormtroopers) for Star Wars events, charity events and social gatherings. At the San Diego ComicCon, Lucasfilm announced that the group would be marching in the Star Wars entry in the 2007 Tournament of Roses parade in Pasadena, California. The Legion operates globally and boasts chapters (referred to as Garrisons) in the US, Canada, South America, Europe, Asia and even in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The 501st Legion was founded by Albin Johnson in 1997 and has become a major force in Star Wars fan events, specifically charity events such as the Special Olympics, Make-a-Wish foundation and Toys for Tots. During the global premier of Revenge of the Sith, members of the Legion were present and greatly impressed George Lucas. Lucas was so impressed by their charitable work and support of the franchise that he decided to include them in the upcoming Roses Parade. Lucasfilm is flying in members of the 501st Legion from all over the world (they have sixty units in twenty countries and on five continents) to participate in the parade, totaling two hundred Stormtroopers. Star Wars spectacular; (the title of the parade entry) is in celebration of the thirtieth anniversary of the release of Star Wars. The float will include Ewoks urging parade watchers to “Save the trees”. Providing a musical backdrop for the float will be the “best in the land”, Grambling State University Tiger Marching Band.
Los Angeles will be an epicenter of Star Wars activity in 2007, not only will the Star Wars appear in the Rose Parade it will also be the site of the Star Wars Celebration IV. Star Wars celebration IV has the designation of celebrating the thirtieth anniversary of the film franchise.
The 501st Legion has managed to become a part of the Star Wars universe, first being written in to Revenge of the Sith (it was the 501st that followed Darth Vader in to the Jedi temple). The 501st also became main characters in the Star Wars Battlefront game. The Legion is now a part of the Star Wars continuity, check out the official Star Wars databank entry about the Legion. The 501st have also been immortalized with their own Hasbro Action figure that was sold at this year’s ComicCon in San Diego.
Mark Fordham is the current 501st Legion Commander, we asked him about the Legion’s reaction to the personal request from George Lucas. Fordham replied, “When we first heard about the Rose Parade opportunity we were floored!” “We are used to trooping events for Mr. Lucas, but in this case this event is not for him, but from him! Other than George showing up on our doorsteps with a cake, I can't think of a more flattering "thank you" for the service we have rendered as a club.” This special group of fans seems humbled by the honor, “To call this historic for us doesn’t describe its magnitude.”
For more info on the 501st Legion, check out their site: 501st.com.
