Page 20 - Voices Decemper 2015

The 501st Legion: The B

by Mark Scholz, DTM - TB-19161 Biker Scout, Cloud City Garriso

Some movie fans are content to collect action figures and posters. Other fans want
to BE action figures while making a difference. Together, we are all interconnected
through a love of Star Wars and a commitment to fundraising, charity work, and
volunteerism.
In 1997, a couple of “geeks” created a Geocities website where they could post
pictures of their homemade Stormtrooper costumes. They called themselves the
501st Legion. Ten years later, 200 Stormtroopers marched in the Tournament of
Roses parade with George Lucas as the Grand Marshal, in celebration of the 30th
anniversary of the original Star Wars movie.
And now in 2015, the 501st Legion and the Rebel Legion have a combined 8,000
members in more than 50 countries with over 11,000 costumes represented. The
501st is currently one of the largest volunteer fan-based costuming organizations
in the world, and is Lucasfilm’s preferred Imperial costuming organization.
The 501st Legion is focused on characters which represent the Empire and the
“Dark Side”. The Rebel Legion includes the Rebel Alliance, such as Jedi, rebel
pilots, and even Wookies. The Mandalorians represent the Bounty Hunters
like Boba Fett.

20 Volume 2 Issue 5 - DECEMBER 2015