J.R. Martinez is relaxing after an oh-so-rosy day in Southern California…

The 28-year-old Iraq-war-vet-turned-actor, who won this year’s Dancing with the Stars mirror ball trophy, served as the grand marshal at the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California

After the parade, Martinez tweeted: “Done with the #parade It was amazing to be a part of it in person and see all the people who came out. Had a blast even tho it was killer hot.”

The former All My Children star sat alongside his pregnant girlfriend in an open car as fans cheered and waved. Martinez seemed overwhelmed by his own status as  he greeted welcoming crowds along the Colorado Boulevard route.

“It’s been a beautiful four days,” said Martinez of the experience. “The people are so nice and so accommodating. I can see why this tradition continues.”

This year’s theme was “Just Imagine…,” as the 2012 Rose Parade celebrates the power of imagination, inspiration and determination to encourage people to reach higher and try harder.