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2015 Rose Parade Grand Marshal Louis Zamperini Dies at 97

Published on Thursday, July 3, 2014 | 4:59 am
 
Louis Zamperini (file photo)

[Updated: July 3, 2014 | 8:45 a.m.]  Louis Zamperini, the “true American hero” who was a World War II prisoner of war survivor as well as former Olympic distance runner chosen to be the Grand Marshal of the 2015 Tournament of Roses, died Wednesday at age 97.

“After a 40-day long battle for his life, he peacefully passed away in the presence of his entire family, leaving behind a legacy that has touched so many lives. His indomitable courage and fighting spirit were never more apparent than in these last days,” family members said in a statement released by Universal Pictures.

In May, Tournament of Roses President Richard L. Chinen announced that Zamperini had been chosen to be the Tournament of Roses 2015 Grand Marshal.

“Louis Zamperini was and will continue to be the embodiment of the 2015 Tournament of Roses theme ’Inspiring Stories.’ As we mourn the passing of a member of the Tournament of Roses family, one who was moved to be asked to serve as Grand Marshal, we are honored to shine the light on one who truly lived a life of unconditional love, courageous perseverance and patient endurance. He shared with us that his faith in God was his inspiration to be content in plenty and in want,” Chinen said in a statement today. “At this time, we pray that Louis’ family and friends may find strength knowing that that the story of Louis’ journey will inspire the world.”

Zamperini wrote his personal history in the book “Devil at My Heels” and his life story was documented in the New York Times best-selling book, “Unbroken,” written by Pulitzer Prize winning author, Laura Hillenbrand.

In December 2014, Universal Pictures will release the movie, Unbroken, a feature adaptation of the book.

Born in 1917 to Italian immigrants, Zamperini moved to Torrance, California in 1919 and became a world-class runner by the end of high school. Qualifying to run in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, he was America’s top finisher in the 5000 meter run, finishing the final lap in 56 seconds and causing Adolf Hitler to request a personal meeting with the track star.

During World War II, Zamperini retired from running and joined the U.S. Armed Forces as a bombardier in the South Pacific. While on a reconnaissance mission, Zamperini’s aircraft crashed into the Pacific Ocean. He and a crewmate survived for 47 days in shark-infested waters eventually drifting into a Japanese-controlled region where he was held and tortured for another two years. He survived the brutality of the war and came back to Southern California where he was treated like a hero and celebrated for his longevity.

Zamperini married, had a family and started on a quest of forgiveness as an inspirational speaker – meeting with and forgiving the Japanese military guards who tortured him.

Zamperini currently lectures around the world on how to deal with stress, the meaning of Olympic spirit and the freedom he has found through a personal relationship with God.

 

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