Bailey Miller’s Extraordinary Journey: From Local Hero to the Rose Parade
- mmiller5354
- Jan 14
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 21
In 2024, 16-year-old Bailey Miller did something truly extraordinary: she saved a man’s life by pulling him from a sinking vehicle. Her bravery earned her the prestigious 2025 Heroes Among Us Award from MercyOne Hospital and additional lifesaving recognitions from the City of Cedar Falls.
A Hero Emerges, and the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs Recognize a Kindred Spirit
News of Bailey’s profound act of kindness spread quickly within her close-knit community of family and friends and throughout the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs in Iowa—part of a global mutual-aid organization committed to charity, fellowship, and personal growth. Around the same time, Bailey took a significant step: becoming the youngest member in Iowa of both Cedar Valley Lodge No. 233 (Odd Fellows) and Happy Thought Lodge No. 256 (Rebekahs).
Bailey's lifesaving story deeply resonated with the Past Grand Master of Iowa Jami Rafter, who serves on several Odd Fellows' committees at the national level, including the Pilgrimage for Youth and Rose Parade.
The Odd Fellows' Pilgrimage for Youth is an annual leadership journey to the East Coast for 16- and 17-year-olds to explore key chapters in American history. That summer, Bailey joined more than 90 teenagers in Philadelphia and traveled by bus to Boston, Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, D.C., and other historic landmarks. She returned home energized, inspired, and full of stories about the friendships she formed with teens from across the United States and Canada.
Later when Bailey presented her Pilgrimage experience at the annual sessions for the Odd Fellows in Des Moines, Jami had one more surprise waiting for the young woman she had grown so fond of: an invitation to ride on the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs Float in the Rose Parade.
A Holiday Season That Began With Recognition
The 2025 holiday season kicked off with Bailey being featured on local television station KWWL during a segment highlighting Heroes Among Us.
The interview came at the perfect moment to announce Bailey had been invited to ride on the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs Float in the 137th Rose Parade in Pasadena, California.
➡️ KWWL
A Cross-Country Family Adventure
With the invitation in hand, Bailey’s family—Mom, Dad (a proud Odd Fellow member), sister Bristol, and the family’s two Bernedoodles—opted for a road trip to Pasadena. The journey took them through:
Oklahoma City
Albuquerque
Sedona
Flagstaff
On day five, they were set to enter California for several days in Bakersfield, with plans to explore the giant sequoias and the Pacific Coast. But Mother Nature had other ideas.
A massive rain event dropped more than 8 inches of rain, making the route impassable. The family quickly adjusted, detouring to Lake Havasu City, then re-entering California through the southern desert. This alternate route led them through the mystical landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park before their arrival in Glendora, CA, where they stayed for the next five days.
Building the Float: Hard Work, Long Days & New Friendships
The next three days were spent working long hours on the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs Parade Float. Despite the physical demand, the experience was filled with meaningful conversations with members from across the country—including California, Colorado, and even New York, and a wonderful volunteer family from Pennsylvania, just looking to help!
The work was tiring but energizing. The camaraderie, shared stories, and sense of purpose made the days fly by.
Parade Day: Rain, Excitement & Inspiration
Parade day brought heavy rain, a rarity of such magnitude in Pasadena. Yet spirits remained high, and the moment the float rolled into view was unforgettable. And as a special treat, the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs Float was awarded the Golden State Award from the Rose Bowl committee, recognizing the most outstanding depiction of life in California, showcasing volunteers building a garden with animals. This award highlights the fraternal order’s tradition of community building and compassion.
A Trip Worth Repeating
Despite the long hours, unpredictable weather, and thousands of miles traveled, the journey was remarkable—so much so that the family would happily do it again.
They encourage anyone with the opportunity to volunteer on the Odd Fellows & Rebekahs Rose Parade Float to take it. The memories, friendships, and sense of purpose are worth every mile.
Many thanks to the Rose Parade committee (especially Roberta and JR for keeping everyone on task!) and the many donors of the float for continuing the special tradition, including the Grand Lodge of Iowa. Special thanks to Rita Cooper, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of California, for sitting down to work next to the newcomers and starting a fascinating conversation like only an Odd Fellow can. And a heartfelt thank you to Past Grand Master Jami Rafter of the Grand Lodge of Iowa, for her leadership, the invitation to Bailey, and her infectious enthusiasm for all things Odd Fellows. Her dedication to the Order, the Pilgrimage for Youth, and the Rose Parade continues to inspire members of all ages.
Below are several videos and images from the family's 2026 Trip to Pasadena—a celebration of service, family, and the enduring spirit of the Odd Fellows.
