Thousands line Phoenix streets for Veterans Day Parade

PHOENIX – Tens of thousands of spectators lined the streets Monday for the 2018 Phoenix Veterans Day Parade.

The 22nd annual parade included more than 2,500 participants, with floats, bands, marching units and more.

The weather was crisp and clear, with temperatures in the 60s.

The parade started at 11 a.m. on Central Avenue at Montebello Avenue, heading south. The route turned east at Camelback Road and south onto Seventh Street before ending just north of Indian School Road.

Thank you to all veterans for your service! The Phoenix Veterans Day Parade will begin today at 11am at Montebello and Central Ave https://t.co/6SdJYylZ5R

Reminder, City of Phoenix offices are closed today in observance of Veterans Day. Regular trash services will occur. pic.twitter.com/KTxVFeAogU

— City of Phoenix, AZ (@CityofPhoenixAZ) November 12, 2018

Roads were closed on the route and surrounding streets, so motorists not attending the parade were asked to steer clear of the area.

Lined up waiting for the parade to begin. Love seeing that big flag in the back! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/uwmSWUbIcE

— Martha Maurer (@MaurerMartha) November 12, 2018

This year’s theme was “Out of the trenches: A century of remembrance,” commemorating the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.

This year’s theme is “OUT OF THE TRENCHES: A Century of Remembrance,” marking the 100th anniversary of the signing of the armistice to end World War I.
There’s more than 100 entries, and will also feature:
• 14 Floats
• 12 Marching Units
• 7 Color Guards
• 8 novelty units pic.twitter.com/9ikYLFRMo0

— Ali Vetnar (@Ali_Vetnar) November 12, 2018

World War II veteran John Bates Sr. celebrated his 100th birthday aboard the Arizona Twirling Athletes float. The group’s director, Becky Hewitt, is Bates’ daughter.

.@KTAR923 These ladies are wishing a very special & happy 100th birthday to Arizona Twirling Athletes director Becky Hewitt‘s father, John Bates Sr., a WWII veteran as he celebrates his 100th birthday with this incredible float. pic.twitter.com/gYEau9OUrI

— Ali Vetnar (@Ali_Vetnar) November 12, 2018

KTAR News 92.3 FM paid tribute to seven parade grand marshals with special profiles.

The grand marshals profiled — Ian Parkinson, Francis Frank Doherty, Gene Wood, Anthony Irby, Santo Graziano, Mike Rizzo and Abby Malchow — served our nation in various capacities, in various conflicts and on various continents.

.@KTAR923 some of the large helium balloons that will me in today’s #VeteransDay parade, including Uncle Sam, the Bald Eagle, the Purple Heart and the HAV balloon. pic.twitter.com/XM8gzv75oX

— Ali Vetnar (@Ali_Vetnar) November 12, 2018

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