Jane Goodall Named 2013 Rose Parade Grand Marshal

There are many topics we like to debate in this world, but few people quibble when the Tournament of Roses announces the Grand Marshal for the following year's Rose Parade.

Because? That person very often has made a great contribution, either in the arts or sciences or another field we humans rely on. (Okay, Kermit the Frog, you make us laugh, meaning you made a fine Grand Marshal a few years back.)

And we expect the Wednesday, April 25 announcement of the 2013 Rose Parade Grand Marshal to be just as well received as choices in the past. And the honoree? Dr. Jane Goodall.

The tireless advocate for chimpanzees and simians in wild and not-so-wild places will ride and wave on Jan. 1, 2013. Ms. Goodall also gets to toss the coin at the start of the 99th Rose Bowl.

Goodall said the honor was unexpected.

"What an amazing honor. It's a surprising honor for me," she said. "I spent many, many years of my life out with the wild chimpanzees in Africa. Kind of different than Pasadena."

The theme of the 2013 parade is "Oh, the Places You'll Go." That seems very fitting for a visionary who has spent much of her life going to the animals who need her support and spirit.

Let us also add here that anyone who sees Disneynature's "Chimpanzee" either on April 25 or April 26 can be assured that a portion of their admission will help the Jane Goodall Institute. Meaning this happy announcement could not be more timely.

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