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VA Veterans Day Parade Slated for Wednesday, November 11, 2009
For Immediate Release October 17, 2009
Phoenix, Ariz.- The annual VA Veterans Day Parade will kick off at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 11. This year’s parade theme is “Home of the Free, Because of the Brave,” honoring veterans who have fought in the war efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan, also referred to as the Global War on Terror. In its 13th year, the parade is one of the premier Veterans Day parades in the nation, with more than 200,000 people expected to attend. The Phoenix-based commemoration is one of the largest such events in the nation and has been designated as a Regional Site for celebrating the holiday. Presented by the Phoenix VA Health Care System and supported by the Veterans Medical Leadership Council and US Airways the parade will feature approximately 100 entries, including historic military vehicles; Veterans Service Organizations such as the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, and others; marching units, color guards; canine and equestrian units; floats; giant helium balloons; and bands. Parade Grand Marshals for 2009 include Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Fred Ferguson, representing veterans of the Vietnam War. Iraq and Afghanistan veterans will be represented by Grand Marshals Dr. Michael S. Chesser, Laura Biggar, Teri Brookins and Travis Shrum. Serving as the Grand Marshal on behalf of the Phoenix VA Health Care System is Health Care System Administrator/Medical Center Director Gabriel Pérez. The Business Community Grand Marshal is Gordon C. James, who served in the Army National Guard from 1969 to 1975 and provided civilian support in both Saudi Arabia and Iraq. This year’s Celebrity Grand Marshall is Dave Pratt, well-known in Phoenix as a longtime radio personality, entertainer, author and community supporter. In addition to these esteemed participants, this year’s event will include three Gold Medal Grand Marshals who participated in the 2009 National Veterans Wheelchair Games sponsored by VA and the Paralyzed Veterans of America. These Games are the largest annual wheelchair sports event in the world. Gold Medal Grand Marshalls include Diego Suazo and John Tuzzolino who each won gold in the Open Division of Weightlifting by Bodyweight and Dan Koston who won gold in the Masters Division of Nine Ball (billiards).
Phoenix Veterans Day Parade The Phoenix VA Veterans Day Parade runs northbound from the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center, beginning at Seventh Street and Montecito, turning westbound on Camelback Road, then northbound on Central Avenue to Bethany Home Road, where it will destage at North Phoenix Baptist Church. The Phoenix VA Health Care System’s Veterans Day Parade began in 1997 with 50 entries and approximately 10,000 spectators. The Parade is designed to help commemorate and honor our veterans and to educate Americans about the service and sacrifices our veterans have made to protect our freedoms. About the Phoenix VA Health Care System The Phoenix VA Health Care System has been serving veterans in Maricopa County since 1951 and is a level one tertiary care facility that offers a variety of services to more than 72,000 veterans. The PVAHCS has 130 medical and surgical inpatient beds, 80 nursing home beds and 40 mental health inpatient beds. The PVAHCS is proud to provide health care to all eligible veterans. Any veteran interested in discussing their health care needs may call (602) 222-6508 or register on line at http://www.va.gov/healtheligibility/. The staff at the PVAHCS is honored to serve our veterans who have paid the price for us to enjoy our freedoms. |
Contact: Paula L. Pedene APR