Communities across Arizona will once again come together to honor the nation’s veterans with parades and ceremonies this Veterans Day, each offering its own local flavor and heartfelt tributes.
Maricopa
Maricopa’s Veterans Day Parade returns this weekend. Army veteran Roman Benavente will lead this year’s procession as grand marshal, joined by three honored veterans: Coast Guard veteran Steve Day, Army veteran Craig Houk and Navy veteran Terry Oldfield.
A retired command sergeant major with the U.S. Army Finance Corps, Benavente said he was “speechless” upon learning he’d been chosen.
“I’m totally humbled by the selection,” said the 78-year-old, who served in Germany, Korea and Indiana and is a Distinguished Member of the Finance Regiment.
The parade begins at 9 a.m. Saturday at Bowlin and Porter Roads and will run about two hours. A free lunch for veterans and their families will follow.
Buckeye
Downtown Buckeye will fill with flags and music during the city’s annual Veterans Day Parade on Saturday starting at 9 a.m. along Monroe Avenue in the historic district. Local organizations, schools and community groups will take part in the tribute.
Casa Grande
The 19th Annual Casa Grande Veterans Day Parade steps off at 9 a.m. Saturday under the theme “Let Freedom Ring.” This year’s route is new, beginning on Marshall Street and moving east along Florence Boulevard to Coolidge Avenue.
Organizers are dedicating the event to the spirit of 1775, honoring those who fought in America’s founding war for independence.
Tucson
Now in its 106th year, the Tucson Veterans Day Parade will celebrate 250 Years of Military Service — a salute reaching back to 1775, the birth of the U.S. armed forces. The parade begins at 11 a.m. Tuesday, circling the Tucson Convention Center perimeter.
Hosted by the Tucson Veterans Day Parade Foundation, the event highlights leadership, gratitude and community involvement, with local schools and youth groups invited to participate.
Anthem
The 21st Annual Daisy Mountain Veterans Parade marches through Anthem at 10 a.m. Saturday. The route runs from Gavilan Peak Parkway and Memorial Drive to the Anthem Community Center.
Founded in 2005, the parade honors the sacrifices of veterans and service members with more than 70 entries and a family-friendly, small-town atmosphere. Admission is free.
Phoenix
Phoenix’s Veterans Day Parade remains one of the largest in the state, featuring marching bands, color guards, floats and tributes to veterans from every branch and era.
The parade runs 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, starting at North Phoenix Baptist Church, 5757 N. Central Ave. Free admission.
Gilbert
The 21st Annual Gilbert Veterans Day Ceremony & Classic and Custom Car Show will take place 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at Gilbert Water Tower Plaza, 45 W. Page Ave.
The free event includes patriotic music, local school performances, military displays and a keynote address by guest speaker Chris Woodard.
Surprise
Surprise will host its annual Veterans Day Celebration and Parade from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, featuring community floats, marching bands and post-parade festivities with live music and food trucks. Route: Bullard Avenue between Paradise Lane and Tierra Buena Lane.
Free to attend.
Tempe
Tempe’s long-running Veterans Day Parade marks more than half a century of honoring local service members. Beginning 10 a.m. Tuesday, the parade will depart from ASU Gammage at 12th Street and Mill Avenue, featuring local schools, scout troops, veterans’ groups and Tempe City Council members. Volunteers will hand out American flags to children and veterans along the route. Free admission.
Mesa
The East Valley Veterans Parade in Mesa will march under the theme “250 Years: Ready Then, Ready Now.” The parade begins at 11 a.m. Tuesday along Center Street and University Drive. The community event honors active-duty service members, veterans and their families with marching bands, youth ROTC groups and creative floats. Admission is free.
