Honoring Centuries of Service: U.S. Armed Forces Leaders Named Grand Marshals of the 2025 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ Downtown Parade

U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Navy Leaders to Lead the Parade on Saturday, March 1

HOUSTON, Jan. 28, 2025 — The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is proud to announce that top leaders from the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and Navy will serve as grand marshals of the 2025 Downtown Parade. This year holds special significance, as these branches celebrate 250 years of service.

The 2025 grand marshals are U.S. Army Commanding General James E. Rainey, U.S. Navy Rear Admiral James P. Waters, and U.S. Marine Corps Brigadier General James A. Ryans II.

“The Rodeo proudly supports the bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who serve our country,” said Chris Boleman, President and CEO of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. “Honoring them this year, as they celebrate two and a half centuries of service, makes this moment even more meaningful.”

Meet the 2025 Grand Marshals

• General James E. Rainey (U.S. Army)
  Gen. Rainey, a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University, commissioned as an infantry lieutenant in 1987. He has commanded at every level from platoon to division and served in multiple combat deployments. He was the Senior General Officer on Armed Forces Appreciation Day at the 2024 Rodeo.
• Rear Admiral James P. Waters (U.S. Navy)
  Rear Adm. Waters took command of Navy Recruiting in March 2024. A native of Ellington, Connecticut, he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1989. His leadership includes commands on USS Virginia, Submarine Squadron 4, and Submarine Group 2. He resides in Millington, TN, with his wife, Terry, and their four adult children.
• Brigadier General James A. Ryans II (U.S. Marine Corps)
  Gen. Ryans enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1988 and commissioned in 1995 after graduating from Jacksonville University. He has commanded at all levels and is currently Commanding General of Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. He oversees recruiting in the Western U.S., including Houston. Gen. Ryans and his wife, Krista, have four children.

About the Parade

The Downtown Rodeo Parade is a cherished tradition that began in 1938 and marks the official start of the Rodeo season.

Parade Schedule:

• 9:00 a.m. — 10K Wheelchair Race
• 9:10 a.m. — 5K & 10K Corral A, 10K Timed
• 9:35 a.m. — 5K Timed
• 10:00 a.m. — Downtown Rodeo Parade begins

The parade will be preceded by the Rodeo Run, presented by ConocoPhillips.

For more information about the Downtown Rodeo Parade, visit: rodeohouston.com

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