News Release | For Immediate Release
For information contact: Paula Pedene, 480-772-2934; Paula@Pedene.com
Phoenix, AZ – When we realize that only one percent of our population currently serves in the military, and only nine percent are military veterans, it can give us room for pause as we think about our freedom.
It’s partly why the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade Team selected the theme “Never Forget. Forever Honor” for this year’s Parade set for Saturday, November 11, 2023.
“The theme captures the essence of the parade, bringing together veterans from all eras with the community who have given a portion of their life to defend our freedom. We will never forget their sacrifices, and we hope always to remember their service to our country,” said Parade Coordinator Paula Pedene. Pedene also serves as the Executive Director for Honoring America’s Veterans and leads the effort for the 27th annual Parade.
Past parades have seen the attendance of more than 40,000 people lining the streets to admire the service of America’s veterans. Parade participants number in the thousands, with hundreds of volunteers and dozens of corporate sponsors who make this glowing Phoenix tradition come to life each year.
“As part of the parade, we seek nominations for the Honor Our Heroes program to choose men and women who exude the characteristics of honor, respect, and service to serve as the Veterans Grand Marshals for the parade. This competition, open to the community to submit deserving veterans, comes with awards for the selected winners and their nominators. It’s a heartwarming effort that brings a special touch of recognition to the selectees,” Pedene said.
The 2023 “Honor our Heroes” nominee competition selects recipients from each era of service who then represent their comrades. Eras include:
- World War II − 1941 to 1945
- The Korean War − 1950 to 1953
- The Vietnam War − 1958 to 1975
- Cold War − 1945 to 1991
- Desert Storm − 1990 to 1991
- Operation Enduring Freedom − 2001 to ongoing
- Operation Iraqi Freedom − 2003 to 2011
Winners will be invited to ride in the parade and be recognized by announcers at the eight-speaker towers along the parade route. Their nominations will also be printed in the parade program and posted on HAV’s website leading up to the event. They may also be featured in local media and receive Veterans Day commemorative items. Nominators will receive VIP Seating at the Parade, seating for two at the Parade Awards Ceremony, and Veterans Day commemorative items.
“We encourage everyone to nominate veterans who have demonstrated extraordinary honor, respect, and gratitude,” adds Pedene. “This is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on those who have gone above and beyond, serving as an inspiration to others.”
Nominations are due by July 21, 2023. Nomination guidelines can be found online at https://honoringamericasveterans.org/honor-our-heroes.
About Honoring America’s Veterans Since 2011, Honoring America’s Veterans (HAV), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization strives to help Arizona’s veterans heal and reintegrate back to society through honor and recognition events. These events include the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade, the Honoring Our Heroes Veterans Grand Marshals competition, and the Parade’s High School Essay program. To learn more, visit: honoringamericasveterans.org