Examine the list of people who have...

Examine the list of people who have held the title of grand marshal for Lawndale’s Youth Day Parade and a trend emerges.

Throughout its more than 30-year history, the parade’s leader has traditionally been a he-man or sports idol like former Los Angeles Raider Rod Martin and 1972 Olympic pole vault silver medalist Bob Seagren, or law-and-order advocates like Sheriff Sherman Block, say city officials.

So it’s a little unusual that this flag-waving, working-class community would this year invite Vietnam veteran and anti-war activist Ron Kovic to lead the parade.

Kovic, a Hermosa Beach resident who was paralyzed from mid-chest down when shot in 1968 while serving with the Marines, is the subject of the film “Born on the Fourth of July.”

Does Lawndale’s decision to invite an outspoken anti-war activist reflect a communitywide change of heart about America’s involvement in the Vietnam War?

Probably not.

“The (Vietnam) war wasn’t even discussed” when the Youth Day Parade Committee met in January and included Kovic on its list of candidates, said Public Information Officer Ken Huthmaker. Kovic was offered the position because “he lives in the area and he’s up for an Academy Award for his movie,” he said.

Committee President Fran Ramsey agreed. “I don’t know if we were looking for a role model but just someone with something to say,” she said.

The committee, which includes members of the Park and Recreation Commission, Planning Commission and the Chamber of Commerce, had also offered the title of grand marshal to muscle-man Arnold Schwarzenegger and former L.A. Laker Kareem Abdul Jabbar, he said. But Kovic was the first and only one to accept, Huthmaker said.

Kovic could not be reached for comment.

The parade, which has traditionally kicked off the Little League baseball season in Lawndale, is April 28. City officials say they see no contradiction in having an anti-war activist lead a parade that is expected to include at least one military color guard or military band.

“I think anybody that makes a statement that a large number of people can identify with is great,” said City Clerk Neil Roth. “I think he will get a standing ovation.”

“I was really surprised when I saw his name there . . . but I didn’t read into it anything in a political sense,” he said.

Chamber of Commerce President Pam Sturgeon said she expects Kovic will be welcomed in Lawndale. “The reaction that I’ve heard from people so far has been good.”