At Honoring America’s Veterans (HAV), we aim to build a lasting legacy of gratitude and care for the individuals and families who have sacrificed to protect our freedoms. We fulfill this mission through offering comprehensive and powerful programs that tackle the multiple facets of need and foster connection, education, and healing across generations.
Our cornerstone event, the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade, has been uniquely hosted by HAV since 2011. It has welcomed more than 1.2 million attendees to date, becoming one of the state’s largest and most heartfelt public tributes. The Parade is a living, breathing tribute to service—where Veterans are celebrated, families are uplifted, and the broader community is reminded of the cost and value of freedom.
Beyond the Parade, our year-round programs deepen this impact. These include:
- Veterans Forums, Veterans connect directly with each other and local leaders in open, solution-focused dialogue.
- The Pearl Harbor Day Commemoration provides solemn, reflective opportunities for the community to remember and honor those who serve and sacrificed.
- In its most recent year, our Youth Essay Competition drew over 140 high school student entries. This program invites students to reflect on the theme of the annual Parade, fostering patriotism and a deeper understanding of service from a young age.
- Through our Honor Our Heroes program, we select seven Veterans, each representing a different era of service, to serve as Parade Grand Marshals, honoring the sacrifices of all who served across generations.
Veterans who have participated in or attended these events frequently share how the community’s gratitude helps them find healing and renewed purpose. These programs honor their service, bridge the gap between generations, and create a shared sense of civic pride.
HAV’s 2025 Strategic Plan includes expanding our community support by helping Veterans Employee Resource Groups. We are also working to grow our Veterans Forum offerings to reach more communities throughout the year.
The Copper Eagle Award recognizes our commitment to the veterans in our community and we are so grateful to the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society for this prestigious honor.
With funding support, we can extend our reach, strengthen these vital and inclusive programs, and deepen the bonds between Veterans, their families, and the communities that honor them. Thanking our nation’s heroes is not a one-time gesture—it’s a lifelong commitment.