Art Sloane
Everyone loves a parade and the valley has two major ones. The East Valley Veterans Parade will take place at 11:00 a.m. on November 8 in downtown Mesa. This parade was formerly called the Mesa Veterans Day Parade. Now with over 100 units in it, it is held on the Saturday before Veterans Day so more people may attend. Help is always needed to not only put on the parade but to fund it. Some of the highlights will be the Fallen Soldier Flags, a B-17 flying over the parade and a replica of the USS Arizona on display. To make a donation or to become a volunteer or sponsor, please contact Joan Monroe at [email protected]; call 480-688-8257; or visit http://evvp.org/donations/. Donations may also be sent to MVVP Association, 3333 E. Page Avenue, Gilbert, AZ 85234.
The fourth largest parade in the nation is held in Phoenix. No longer is the VA Hospital involved but a charity has been set up to put on this parade at 11:00 a.m. on November 11, Veterans Day in Phoenix. You may help them by donating to Honoring Arizona’s Veterans, 20118 N. 67th Avenue, Suite 300-234 Glendale, AZ 85308. For questions you may contact Paula L. Pedene APR at 480- 772-2934; e-mail [email protected]; or Katherine Brooks at 623-640-6437; e-mail [email protected]. I will write more as arrangements are finalized. This year the parade will honor World War II Veterans who will ride on floats.
The Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame will induct the Class of 2014 from 11:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. on October 24. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. at the Phoenix Marriott Tempe at the Buttes, 2000 Westcourt Way, Tempe. The Hall started in 2001 making this the 14th class of veterans that after their discharge went on to serve their community as a volunteer. The cost is $55 until September 30 and $60 after. When sending reservations please note the person’s name and meal choice: chicken, beef or vegetarian. Tables for 10 may be reserved so please note persons on your reservation. You may register online at www.azuav.org or send your check to Treasurer Unified Arizona Veterans, P.O. Box 34338, Phoenix, AZ 85067 by October 17. For more information call 602-943-7834. This year’s class will consist of 20 veterans and three Medal of Honor recipients who have never been recognized from the Civil War, Indian Wars and WWII. At present in the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame, comparing Sun Lakes to the rest of the state’s cities, there are more persons in the Hall than in any city in the state for the small population with eight living inductees.
The State Fair is coming in October-November at the fairgrounds in Phoenix. Please sign up for free admission and parking if you will usher to defray the costs of the Maricopa StandDown in February. By ushering the state fair will not charge for the use of the grounds. Go to www.arizonastanddown.org. If you do sign up it is very important that you show up at the appointed time.
Homeless veterans are served by the Veterans Furniture Center but unfortunately they are in dire need of beds, dressers, small kitchen tables and chairs or the funds to buy the same. These veterans are served at no cost and everything is delivered to them free of charge. If you have these articles please call 602-303-6112 or send a check to United For Change, 860 N. McQueen Rd., Unit 1043, Chandler, AZ 85225. All furniture and donations are tax deductable.