The Chilean Miners, as they've come to be known internationally, marched into Los Angeles like global heroes Thursday, enjoying a police escort as their two-bus caravan cruised away from LAX.

We watched helicopter footage on Fox 11 News this morning and couldn't help but marvel at the warmth these guys are receiving now that they're no longer stuck in a dank hole 2,300 feet below the earth's surface for 69 days without their families (and mistresses).

So why, you ask, are these 33 or so men here?

They're here to check out Hollywood, of course, before taping a CNN special titled “CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute.” That will happen at the Shrine Auditorium in Exposition Park and air Thanksgiving.

Obligatory corporate quote from Jim Walton, CNN's president:

“'CNN Heroes' is a fitting way for CNN to honor these men and their rescuers. We hope viewers around the world will be heartened by the story of their rescue as well as the stories of this year's top 10 CNN heroes.''

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.