Anthem's veterans parade set for Nov. 12

Posted: Oct 05, 2011 12:56 PMUpdated: Nov 07, 2011 3:59 PM

ANTHEM, AZ (KPHO) –

The Daisy Mountain Veterans organization will hold its 7th Annual Veterans Parade and Family Picnic in Anthem on Saturday, Nov. 12 to honor all those who have worn our nation’s uniform.

This year’s parade has been designated an official Arizona Centennial Event in recognition of Arizona’s 100th anniversary, and the theme for participants will be Arizona history.

Grand Marshals will include the Navajo Code Talkers, the Buffalo Soldiers, the Arizona Rough Riders (Teddy Roosevelt’s old unit), the Pioneer Living Museum, the Pony Express and Bob Boze Bell, editor of True West magazine.

Many other military, civic and historical units are expected to participate, including the 108th U.S. Army Marching Band, the Prescott Regulators, the Shriners, the Daisy Mountain Fire Department Honor Guard, the Boulder Creek High School Band and the Sun City Poms.

A number of floats will be on display, including models of the battleship Arizona, the Iwo Jima Memorial and the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, all of which will later be available for public inspection.

The color guard will step off promptly at 10 a.m. from King Drive following a strategic landing by an Army Blackhawk helicopter. The parade will proceed north on Gavilan Peak Parkway, east on Anthem Way, south on Freedom Way, ending at the Anthem Community Center.

Brief ceremonies will take place at approximately 12:30 p.m., with the VFW Rangers Post 10254 of Tucson posting the colors, and the Musical Theatre of Anthem performing the National Anthem.

Spectators can enjoy the food court, beer garden and games for the children provided by the U.S. Army until 4 p.m. Picnic baskets are welcome, but be sure to bring lawn chairs since seating is limited.

Other activities will include a flag-retirement held by Boy Scout Troop 432 in the picnic area at 3:30 p.m. Worn-out flags to be burned may be deposited into a nearby bin prior to the ceremony.

The Daisy Mountain Veterans will again participate with the U.S. Marine Corps in the Toys for Tots program this year. Those attending the parade are urged to bring along a new toy to be distributed to a needy child during the holiday season. Collection boxes will be placed at several locations along the line of march.

On Friday, Nov. 11, a dedication of the new Anthem Veterans Memorial will take place.

You can follow the conversation leading up to the event by visiting the parade’s Facebook page.

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