East Valley Veterans Parade Rolls on Nov. 11

The annual East Valley Veterans Parade will be held in its traditional format Downtown Mesa on Veterans Day, Thursday, Nov. 11. More than 100 parade entries are anticipated, along with aerial demonstrations of vintage aircraft.

This year’s parade theme is “Wartime Art & Artists,” celebrating the many forms of military art used through the years.

When:

Thursday, Nov. 11

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where:

Downtown Mesa, near University Dr. and Center St.

More info:

The East Valley Veterans Parade Association is an all-volunteer community event organization that relies on the generosity of local businesses, organizations and individuals to accomplish this collective patriotic tribute.

About East Valley Veterans Parade:

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, with Gerry stating, “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.