Who's That Guy? Without Robes, Grand Marshal Is Mystery

Justice Antonin Scalia, the first Italian-American to serve on the Supreme Court, returned to his hometown yesterday to lead the march along Fifth Avenue as grand marshal of the 61st Columbus Day Parade.

The highest-ranking government official to serve as grand marshal, Justice Scalia shares an honor bestowed in the past on the actress Sophia Loren, the racing champion Mario Andretti and the fashion designer Roberto Cavalli.

Despite Justice Scalia's prominence, few paradegoers recognized him, a reflection perhaps of the Supreme Court justices' long tradition of limiting their public appearances.