November is a Time to Honor and Celebrate as We Usher in the Holidays

Veterans Day was originally named Armistice Day following the end of World War I, and then in the United States, it became a celebration honoring all of our military veterans. While Memorial Day is more of a remembrance of the veterans who sacrificed their lives for our great nation, I view Veterans Day as a celebration, giving us a chance to thank all veterans for their service to our country. We do so in grand style here in Prescott, with the annual Veterans Day Parade beginning at 11 a.m., Nov. 11, through the streets of historic downtown Prescott. I am proud of Prescott for hosting this important event. I believe that the Veterans Day Parade embodies the genuine appreciation our citizens show to veterans. Many thanks to Michelle Stacy-Schroeder, also a veteran, and her team of volunteers and city staff, who help make the parade a truly special event.

A few years back, Prescott was named one of the Most Patriotic Cities in the United States and is recognized as having one of the highest concentrations of veterans per capita, in any community, other than towns that host military bases. The Northern Arizona Veterans Administration Healthcare System works alongside numerous non-profits serving veterans, drawing these large numbers here. Prescott is truly one of the most veteran-friendly communities anywhere. Citizens genuinely support all veterans. As a Vietnam veteran who served in combat, I know how meaningful genuine expressions of appreciation are, since we did not receive a friendly reception when we returned from service many years ago.

Veterans Day is soon followed by another celebration with Thanksgiving, this year on Nov. 23.    This is an exciting time for me, since just a few days later, we begin the official Arizona’s Christmas City events. The festivities start with the Holiday Light Parade, 6 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 25, in the downtown area. One week later, on Saturday Dec. 2, we celebrate with the annual Christmas Parade, then the magical lighting of the Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza. Of course, there are other great Christmas City events, including Acker Night and many others. To see the full calendar of Arizona’s Christmas City events, check out ArizonaChristmasCity.com.

Please join me in these months of honor and celebration in our great City of Prescott. QCBN

By Phil Goode

Phil Goode is the mayor of Prescott.