A Country Legend
Lee Greenwood added a special touch to the CCF float, themed "Saluting America's Finest," by performing his inspiring hit, "God Bless the USA."
"Chiropractic has been helpful to me throughout my career," Lee said. "I acquired a back injury long ago in a softball game, and playing the keyboards occasionally would aggravate it. It was those times when I found relief in chiropractic."
Lee Greenwood stands as a shining example of an American success story. From his humble beginnings on a California farm, his unyielding determination and natural talents led him to achieve country music stardom. Having already won two consecutive titles as the Country Music Association's "Male Vocalist of the Year," Lee's career was already in high gear when the CMA awarded him "Song of the Year" honors for writing "God Bless the USA." The patriotic song has since been performed across the country, often performed alongside "The Star Spangled Banner." The song has become firmly entrenched in the hearts of many Americans. During the Persian Gulf War, it was reported to be the favorite song of General Norman Schwarzkopf.
A Golf Prodigy
Tiger Woods, 17, is the reigning U.S. Amateur Golf Champion and a regular chiropractic patient. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Tiger is a freshman at Stanford University. Winning the U.S. Amateur Golf Championships earned him "Man Of The Year" honors from Golf World magazine.
"Being a chiropractic patient has really helped me a lot," Tiger asserted. "When I was in a growth spurt, my back became very sore and I was weak. My chiropractor really helped me. Not only did he adjust my spine, he also gave me strengthening exercises to do. If you are tall and gangly, like I am, or play sports, I would recommend chiropractic."
Hall of Famer
Chiropractic is also a hit with baseball's great Joe Morgan. Joe is one of only a handful of players who were chosen to the Hall of Fame (1990) in their first year of eligibility, joining the elite company of other first-timers like Jackie Robinson, Bob Feller, Stan Musial, Sandy Koufax, Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays and Hank Aaron.
Joe Morgan began his career in 1964 with the Houston Astros and was named "Rookie of the Year." His exceptional performance continued with the Astros until l972 when he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds, the year he was awarded "Most Valuable Player" in the All-Star Game.
His career skyrocketing in Cincinnati. He was the "Most Valuable Player" in the National League in l975 and l976 and received the "Commissioner's Award" (l976) for getting the most votes from the fans for the All-Star Game.
He was the "Comeback player of the Year" in l982, and ended his career in l984 having won five "Golden Gloves," played in l0 All-Star games, and recorded 689 stolen bases (8th all-time in stolen bases).
Joe explained his relationship with chiropractic: "As a professional baseball player, I have always been aware of the importance of keeping fit both mentally and physically. Early in my career it was fairly easy to recover from minor injuries. However, as I got older, I was not able to bounce back from injuries quite as easily, and I realized that I needed assistance keeping my body properly aligned. I sought the help of Dr. Jan Corwin, who I am still utilizing to help keep me in shape. Although I no longer play professional baseball, I am still active in sports. Whether golfing, playing tennis or skiing, without the benefits of chiropractic, I don't think that I would be able to remain as fit and active today."
Joe is also active in his community, supporting the Young America Baseball Program, the Oakland Unified School District Sports Program, and founding the Joe Morgan Youth Foundation.
Olympic Gold
Speed skater Cathy Turner is a two time Olympic gold medalist, one of only two Olympians ever to win gold medals in consecutive Winter Olympic Games. In Albertville, France in 1992, Cathy won the women's 500 meter short track, and also took home a silver medal. In Lillehammer, Norway, Cathy won a gold and bronze.
It wasn't the natural aging process but a specific injury that introduced Olympic speedskater Cathy Turner to chiropractic. "After retiring for nine years, I decided to make my comeback into speed skating. I began with an aggressive workout program. During a squat exercise, lifting 286 pounds, my spotter picked me up the wrong way. This resulted in a separation of my vertebra. I sought a chiropractor in my home town. For quite a while, chiropractic care was mandatory for my training program."
"Saluting America's Finest"
Dr. William Holmberg, president of the Chiropractic Cenntennial Foundation, saw chiropractic's float in the Tournament of Roses as a great success. "It was so exciting to see great athletes like Tiger Woods, Joe Morgan, and Cathy Turner on our float. And Lee Greenwood was fantastic. It's just wonderful how these folks took time out of their busy schedules to help us spread the word about chiropractic.
The CCF's float was one of the largest in the parade, and certainly eye-cathching: carrying over seven tons of flowers and featuring a massive 40-foot high American eagle.
With the 1995 Tournament of Roses Parade being viewed by over 450 million people in more than 90 countries, it's safe to say that millions of people are now aware that chiropractic is celebrating 100 years of health care. The chiropractic float was, to paraphrase Ernest Hemingway, "a moveable feast" for the eyes.
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