INDIANAPOLIS -- In addition to receiving the Sachem Award on Thursday, Hoosier Holocaust survivor Eva Kor was also named to be the Grand Marshal of the 2017 IPL 500 Festival Parade.
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb surprised Kor with the announcement.
“Eva’s compassion, resilience and spirit is an inspiration to us all," Bob Bryant, President and CEO of the 500 Festival, said in a release. "We are proud to have her serve as the Grand Marshal of the 2017 IPL 500 Festival Parade and we can’t wait to celebrate her!”
Kor is the second-oldest Grand Marshal in the parade's 60-year history.
The 500 Festival is thrilled to announce Eva Kor will be the Grand Marshal of the 2017 #IPL500Parade. Read More: https://t.co/IxH5YyABYD pic.twitter.com/cMry7a165R
— 500 Festival (@500Festival) April 13, 2017
In a speech Thursday, Kor said she forgave the Nazis in 1995.
“Often, I am asked, ‘How can anyone forgive the Nazis?’” she said. “I always answer with a question: ‘Do I deserve to be free from what they have done to me?’ Of course, is the answer. My forgiveness is an act of self-healing, self-liberation and self-empowerment.”
