The Patriot Behind The Parades: A Special Moment In Patriotic History This Thanksgiving

After applying earlier this year, Ruck was selected as an official balloon wrangler for the new character appearance of “Leo.” Based on the Adam Sandler Netflix Animated Comedy, he will march down Fifth Avenue in Manhattan and past the storied halls of Macy’s Department Store to the delight of thousands of revelers on the street and millions of fans worldwide watching the broadcast show on both television and internet streaming.

As a proud American citizen, it was his belief in the importance of the traditions of America that spurred his involvement which over time led to his appearing in some of the biggest parades rooted in the tradition and heritage in the country.

“I believe in America and American traditions,” Tom states. “There’s nothing more traditional and more American than the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as well as the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day.”

Few people can boast about playing a big part in recognizable parades such as the Thanksgiving Celebration along with the Tournament of Roses Parade, which is the annual parade held along Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, California, on New Year's Day.

During his high school years in 1971 he was selected as a member of the prestigious McDonald's All American High School Band, where two musicians were selected from each state and marched in the 1971 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and followed with the 1972 Tournament of Roses Rose Parade. After high school, while at the University of Missouri, Ruck continued his participation in Music with “Marching Mizzou.”

Years later as an adult he moved to California and joined the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association. He became a member of the tournament as a “White Suitor” and has been involved with the organization since 2008.

Making an American dream come true has always been a motivating factor for Ruck. As an individual has accomplished several notable feats during his professional career that have carved out profound chapters that motivate the reader of his personal biography.

Currently based in Alexandria, Virginia, his life has led down a road worthy of a Hollywood screenplay. He has been presented to two Presidential Transition Teams for the position of Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs. The Boeing Corporation and his “hometown” St. Louis Cardinals have honored Ruck for his achievements in supporting America’s Veterans and his contributions to Veteran causes.

He also is an accomplished Author and has published an Award-Winning book that honors the American Veteran. "Sacred Ground, A Tribute to America’s Veterans" was released by Regnery Publishing, now part of Salem Media Group, and achieved a #5 ranking on Amazon.

“I created this book as a labor of love to honor the truest of American heroes, our Veterans,” he enthusiastically expresses “and to give back, I donate all royalties from the book to the Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund.”

Ruck has appeared on over 100 radio and television programs and served as featured speaker at over 50 national and regional events. He was also an invited guest speaker at the 70th Anniversary of D-Day in 2014 in Sainte Mère-Église in Normandy, France honoring the men of the 82nd and 101st Airborne for their courageous efforts that fateful day.

You can watch The 97th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Live on Thursday, November 23rd at 8:30 a.m. on NBC and Peacock and witness Tom Ruck make history as the only person to have both marched and actively participated in All Major Landmark Parades with his Appearance in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.