Scottsdale is set to lead the Phoenix metropolitan area in honoring America’s veterans this Veterans Day. The city’s parade, the largest in the Southwest, will begin at 11 a.m. on Third Street at the intersection of McDowell Road and travel north to Indian School Road. Volunteers have been preparing since February, and a recent planning meeting drew 100 participants to discuss staging, traffic flow, and safety.
Volunteer leadership and veteran stories
Paula Pedene, executive director of Honoring America’s Veterans, oversees the event. A former U.S. Navy journalist and VA hospital employee, Pedene brings personal experience to the role, having served veterans with disabilities and written a whistleblower memoir titled “Sacred Duty.” She says the parade is “a beautiful living tribute” that allows the community to recognize the sacrifices of service members.
Among the distinguished Grand Marshals is 100‑year‑old Navy veteran Delmar DeWitt Beard, who served aboard LST‑715 during the Iwo Jima and Okinawa campaigns before later joining the Army. Beard will lead the procession northward, symbolizing the generations of veterans honored each year. Former NFL quarterback and two‑time Super Bowl champion Jim McMahon will serve as the celebrity Grand Marshal, adding a high‑profile touch to the celebration.
Family‑friendly festivities
Pedene invites families to arrive early, claim a spot along the route, and enjoy the parade’s festive atmosphere. The city encourages residents to bring children, noting that the event offers a “lighthearted” way to learn about military history and the significance of Veterans Day, which traces back to the World I armistice.
Following the parade, Scottsdale will host a free ceremony at McCormick‑Stillman Railroad Park at 3 p.m. The program includes a keynote address by former Navy SEAL Lt. Rob Sarver, who earned a Bronze Star for valor, and remarks from Mayor Lisa Borowsky. The ceremony will feature the posting and retirement of the colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a rendition of the national anthem by Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Lenny Miller. Scottsdale’s Veterans Advisory Commission will provide opening and closing remarks.
Old Town celebrations
For those preferring a more intimate setting, the Sipe‑Peterson American Legion Post 44 in Old Town opens its doors at 10 a.m. The post, proudly called the “Best Damn Post in the West,” will host live music from Trio Rio and a big‑band dance that continues into the evening.
Scottsdale’s commitment to honoring veterans reflects the city’s broader dedication to community service and family values. By combining a large public parade with multiple local events, the city offers residents a chance to gather, celebrate, and deepen their appreciation for those who have served.
Original reporting: Scottsdale Progress — read the source article.
