PASADENA, Calif. (CBS Local) — A Los Angeles County firefighter led the pack to remember the fallen service men and women who died on September 11, 2001 during the Rose Bowl festivities this year.

Jerry Thomsen and his wife Merrie submitted an application to the Tournament of Roses, and it was accepted. The float’s theme is 9/11 “Remember, Reflect, Renew.”

Thomsen told CBS Los Angeles station KCBS-TV his intention for the float is to give all Americans an opportunity to “remember” the heroes who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

Watch KCBS-TV Video Report:

Thomsen wanted to encourage everyone to “reflect” on where we are as a nation today and promise to “never forget.”