LWer participates in New Year’s tradition

The Pasadena Tournament of Roses is a national tradition with links to Leisure World. The Salvation Army Band is one of two bands— Marines are the other—with a history of over 100 years of participation in the 5.5-mile march along Colorado Boulevard. The members join from around the United States and are regular participants in their local Salvation Army Corps (church) bands.

The Seiler family has participated in the event for over 25 years. Major Fred Seiler—who formely lived in Mutual 5 for over 25 years—and his wife Irene may be remembered for the Monday night Home League in Clubhouse 4, sponsored by The Salvation Army. On Jan. 2, of this year, now retired SA officer Paul Seiler of Mutual 15, son-in-law Jim Sparks (Pasadena, husband to Stephanie), and grandsons Ethan and Garrett participated in the parade together.

This reflects a tradition of four generations of Salvation Army band members in both families. Jim’s grandfather holds the record as the longest consistent member to march for 60 years. His grandmother Kathy Sparks also lived in Leisure World prior to her passing. Paul was the oldest marcher in the Salvation Army band this year with no discomfort. He walks three to four miles daily after relinquishing his long-time running habit, which included two marathons and several 10K runs.

The parade is held on Jan. 2 when New Year’s Day falls on Sunday, based on the original agreement with Pasadena churches. This year, 30 Salvation Army church band members travelled from Seoul, Korea to join the group of 150 marchers. The Salvation Army is the largest international nonprofit faith-based social services organization represented in 132 countries, meeting human needs without discrimination.

—Paul Seiler

Retired Salvation Army officer Paul Seiler (r), Mutual 15, stands with his son-in-law Jim Sparks (l-r), husband to Stephanie, and grandsons Ethan and Garrett at the Pasadena Tournament of Roses.