NEWS RELEASE
Media Contact: Paula Pedene, paula@pedene.com; Mobile or SMS: 480-772-2934
With the possible deployment of peacekeepers to the Middle East, we must remember the sacrifices our military and veterans make to defend our freedom. That’s why the City of Phoenix hosts its annual Veterans Day Parade, to remember, to honor. This year’s theme, Never Forget, Forever Honor, is a poignant reminder to us that the work of our military and veterans is something to honor.
“At heart, I’m very patriotic,” says Supermodel Kim Alexis. “I understand that the safety of my travels around the world was made possible by the men and women who serve day and night to protect our freedoms. We live in a great country, and we owe a debt of gratitude to our military and veterans. It is touching to serve as a Parade Celebrity Grand Marshal, as I truly appreciate them. When I heard I would be riding alongside veterans from every era of service from World War II to the present day, it was inspiring to have history come to life before my eyes,” she added.
Past Celebrity Grand Marshals for the parade include Loretta Swit or Major Margaret Houlihan from the TV Series M*A*S*H, Nancy Cartwright, the voice of Bart Simpson, 20/20 News Anchor Hugh Downs, and Television Star Connie Stevens. It is the first time the parade has had a model as their Celebrity.
Amanda Tallman’s enlisted in the Army Military Police Corps in 2007, during several conflicts. This was when women were barred from combat roles, and she was attached to an infantry unit. Undeterred by the limitations placed upon her, she served as an MK19 gunner and demonstrated exceptional compassion during her deployment by coordinating efforts to provide resources to Afghan children. She later earned a commission as an officer and was assigned to Military Intelligence in the Army Reserves in Arizona.
“Even though Kim and I have diverse backgrounds, it’s important for us to share our commonality. Meeting Kim was such a connectivity. Her world of glamour had trials and tribulations that not everyone speaks about, similar to what women in the military go through. Meeting her allowed me to realize that even through our different career paths, there are ties that bind us to our country. Sometimes it’s through an event, like the parade, other times it is through shared experiences and other times it’s something that touches one’s heart, like patriotism,” said Tallman.
The two met recently when Honoring America’s Veterans, a nonprofit that hosts honor and recognition events for veterans, held a News Conference to announce the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade Grand Marshals. The veterans were nominated through an Honor Our Heroes program where the Arizona community submits names of potential contenders for the role of Marshal. As a local celebrity, Kim was spotted on a morning TV show, and organizers reached out to ask if she would serve as the Celebrity Grand Marshal. She said yes on their first Zoom call.
Both Marshals will ride in the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade set for 11 a.m. on November 11th. As it is Veterans Day, the date and time of the parade mark the significance of the signing of the Armistice, which ended World War 1.. There are six other eras represented, mostly from major conflicts, including a Navajo Code Talker from World War II and veterans from Korea, Vietnam, the Cold War, Desert Storm, Iraq, and Afghanistan. There are 83 parade entries, including floats, bands, novelty units, marching units, military hardware, and large helium balloons. Organizers anticipate a crowd of 45,000 attendees.
For additional parade information, go to the parade page at www.honoringamericasveterans.org/2023-Phoenix-Veterans-Day-Parade.