The holiday season is right around the corner, starting with Veteran’s Day on Nov. 11.
Veterans Day is a time for Americans to reflect on the service and sacrifice of our veterans. Originally, it was named Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War I, when the treaty was signed on the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month, in 1918. Unlike Memorial Day, Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans, but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime.
I am proud of how our community honors veterans and active duty military service members. Earlier this year, we were named Most Patriotic City in Arizona, in part because of how we honor our veterans every day of the year. To honor those military service members who have recently been deployed, we have attached a yellow ribbon on city hall.
This year, Prescott will celebrate with the annual Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, Nov. 10. Opening ceremonies are at 10:30 a.m., and the parade begins at 11 a.m. We are holding the parade on the Nov. 10, because Nov. 11 falls on a Sunday this year. The parade goes from Willis, south down Cortez, turns on Goodwin, then heads back north on Montezuma.
There will be over 90 entries, many representing every branch of the military, and organizations like American Legion, VFW, Eagles and other supportive veteran organizations. Area businesses and non-profits will be represented as well.
This year, we remember World War I on the 100th anniversary of the war’s end. We will read the names of Yavapai County World War I veterans who died in the war during the opening ceremonies. There will also be a special banner for Ernest A. Love, the Prescott aviator who died after being shot down over the skies of France, just months before the war ended.
Recreation Services Coordinator Michelle Stacy-Schroeder, who is also a veteran, heads up a committee that puts this great event on every year. Thanks to all of the committee members, including Patti Ezell, Denise Mackey, Barbara Boyer, Rick Grey, Robert Milligan, Lynn Denison, Penny Fincher, Patrick Kuykendall, Darla Deville, Mary Dillinger, Dan Tillmans, Clarence (Sherm) Scott and Traci Peters.
The parade is a partnership between the city, the Northern Arizona VA and various community sponsors.
The Veterans Day Parade really shows our community’s pride and care for our veterans, active duty military and their families. Please come out and help us kick off the holiday season with this great event in Prescott. QCBN
By Greg Mengarelli
Greg L. Mengarelli is the mayor of the City of Prescott.
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