Los Angeles (People's Daily) - Hundreds of thousands of spectators turned out for the 129th edition of the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California on January 1, 2018.

With the theme, “Making a Difference,” the parade featured 39 competing floats in the Tournament of Roses segment along with other floats from organizations who had all gathered to celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of another.

Grand Marshall Gary Sinise waves to the crowd at the 129th Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif., Monday, Jan. 1, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Owen Baker)

B-2 Stealth Bomber and two jet fighters fly over the 2018 Rose Parade route in Pasadena, Calif on Money, Jan.1, 2018. (AP photo/John Antczak)

Rose Queen Isabella Marie Marez waves to the crowd at the 129th Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif., Monday, Jan.1, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Owen Baker)

This year’s Grand Marshal was actor Gary Sinise. He was chosen because of his active role in veteran’s issues and also for his memorable role as Lt. Dan in the film “Forrest Gump.”

Some of the nation’s best university marching bands and the top high school marching bands in California participated in the parade.

The Rose Queen pageant celebrated its 100th edition, features Pasadena high school seniors and college students competing for the crown.

Flower-covered floats from two Chinese companies were recognized for their beauty and design, both taking home top awards.

Singpoli American BD from China won the Sweepstakes award for the most beautiful entry “encompassing design, floral presentation, and entertainment,” and explored the theme of “rising above.”

In the international category, China Airlines took home the top honor for most outstanding float design made outside of the US.

Hundreds of thousands of people lined the streets throughout the 3.5-mile route, enjoying clear blue skies and warmer than expected temperatures.

The parade has never been canceled due to bad weather, and in 70 years it has only been rained on once, and that was in 2006.

Security and safety were the top priority and Pasadena Police Chief Phillip Sanchez assured reporters beforehand that there were no known threats going into the event.

Spectators and camped out on the streets the night before, braving cold temperatures just to get a front row seat for the flower spectacle. The nationally televised broadcast was enjoyed by millions of viewers across the nation.