Frederick and Alline Reese have been named grand marshals for Selma’s upcoming Christmas parade.

Given the couple’s history in Selma, we couldn’t think of two better leaders to head the parade.

Frederick signed the invitation for Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference to visit Selma and advocate for voting rights.

He then was one of 600 protestors that marched over the Edmund Pettus Bridge on Bloody Sunday. With the 50th celebration of the 1965 civil rights marches upon us, it only makes sense to spotlight those that played a large role.

This is a fantastic way for the city to not only thank the two leaders for their accomplishments in Selma — which helped shape history — but also recognize them for their achievements.

The Christmas parade is an event most, if not all, in town look forward to throughout the year.

This year’s parade, which is set for Dec. 6 at 10 a.m., will combine all of the fun of Santa Clause and the various floats with history, thanks to the inclusion of the Reeses as marshals.

Although there are many individuals worthy of being the parade’s grand marshal, it’s hard for the city to hit more of a home run than they did with Frederick  and Alline Reese, especially given the timing.