The Tournament of Roses Parade held Jan. 1 honored Maj. Benjamin “Chex” Meier, an Air Force pilot who flew combat missions over Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya and saved dozens of ground troops.
When he died in 2015, his heart, lungs, liver and kidneys were donated to five people, as per his request.
The parade flyover honoring Meier was conducted by his Air Force squadron in the plane he flew on many of his missions, an F-35 Lightning II. The tribute included other planes, symbolizing those who received the chance to live.
Meier will also received a floragraph in his honor, as did 44 other organ donors, as part of the 15th annual Donate Life Rose Parade float produced by OneLegacy and sponsored by over 50 individuals and organizations. This year’s theme was The Gift of Time. Several donor recipients accompanied the float.
For more information about Donate Life America or becoming a donor, visit their website.
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