Historic East Valley Veterans’ Parade Seeking for Volunteers to Honor Veterans
By Bridgette Crosby
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Every November for the last 17 years, The East Valley Veterans’ Parade has celebrated, honored and remembered the brave men and women who have served our country. The parade has become an annual event that is much anticipated by the community and beloved by Veterans and the military community. We would not enjoy the freedoms we have today, were it not for those who serve and fight for our freedoms.
This year, we were honored to be chosen and awarded as “Best Parade” by Phoenix Magazine. Thank you to everyone who voted for us! This title is an amazing accomplishment and a reflection of those people who volunteer and strive to make the parade an event worthy of our Veterans' and the celebration of Veterans' Day. Without our Veterans, none of what we do today would be possible. Our highest honor is to be able to honor them and the sacrifices they made for us.
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According to Lisa Sandoval, President of the East Valley Veterans’ Day Parade, the theme for 2023 is “Vietnam Valor.” It has been nearly 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War. Sandoval stated, "This theme is important because we believe that welcoming home and thanking our Veterans for their service in Vietnam is long overdue. While we cannot change the past, we do have the power, as a community, to make a difference now, today. We have the power to publicly address what happened to our Vietnam Veterans and to the opportunity to foster open communication, acknowledge what happened to them and encourage healing, even though so much time has passed."
Please join us this year on Saturday, November 11th and help us make a difference! Many of those who served didn’t have a choice due to the draft during Vietnam. Many volunteered to serve instead of waiting to get drafted. All Veterans deserve our thanks, our support and a big “WELCOME HOME.” We have the power to set the example for future generations of Americans, only we can ensure that what happened to our Vietnam Veterans, will never, ever happen again.
Let’s also not forget those Veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. We can honor them every day of the year…by doing simple things like doing what is right, caring for and being involved in our families, communities, state and nation. And by fanning the flames of freedom for the generations that follow. But…. perhaps, we honor them the most…..when we make sure that the Veterans who DID make it home are made a priority and taken care of in every community across this great nation.
Each of you have the power to make a difference in the life of a Veteran…..and I urge you to do it, by using your voice, your vote, your volunteerism and your freedoms……
This year, The East Valley Veterans’ Parade is in need of volunteers, sponsors and participants for the parade. We are seeking a new generation of volunteers to assist us in continuing this East Valley Tradition. Schools, businesses, clubs, non-profits, military families, veterans' organizations, bands and more…..everyone is welcome! Please consider joining us today!
For more information, please contact President Lisa Sandoval at 480-684-2324, email parade@evvp.org or visit www.evvp.org.
Bridgette Crosby is a volunteer for the East Valley Veterans’ Parade. She is also the proud mother of an Army Combat Veteran, an Army Soldier and a US Marine, the daughter of a WWII Veteran, sister of a Navy Veteran and member of a Gold Star Family, Gary Lee Crosby, USAF, Vietnam. She is the founder of Military Moms of Queen Creek / San Tan Valley and True Nature Media. Her mission is “Inspire thought, encourage truth and spark conversation.”
