The annual East Valley Veterans Parade will roll through downtown Mesa on Veterans Day, Saturday, Nov. 11. This year’s parade theme is “Vietnam Valor,” honoring the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War and those who served.
More than 100 parade entries are anticipated, along with aerial demonstrations of vintage aircraft. The parade will roll from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. near University Drive and Center Street in downtown Mesa.
The East Valley Veterans Parade Association, the group responsible for putting on this East Valley tradition each year, is an all-volunteer community event organization that relies on the generosity of local businesses, organizations and individuals to accomplish this collective patriotic tribute each Veterans Day.
Parade history
When the annual Mesa Veterans Parade fell victim to necessary budget cuts in 2006, local residents Gerry Walker and Frank “Gunny” Alger spoke out on behalf of the 40-year-old Mesa tradition. Walker said: “There will be a Veterans Day parade if it is only me marching down the street with Frank watching.”
The Marine Corps League (Saguaro Chapter) in Mesa took the lead and the Mesa Veterans Parade Association was formed. In 2013, the all-volunteer organization changed its name to the East Valley Veterans Parade to reflect the participation of parade entrants and sponsors from most East Valley communities.
For a map of the parade route and more details, visit evvp.org.
