From the battlefield to parade grand marshal: Vietnam vet honored for heroism

PHOENIX — Roger Sandeen fought in Vietnam as an Army infantryman. He was wounded in combat and earned the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his heroism.

Now, 50 years since the war ended, he’s earned another honor as a grand marshal for this year’s Phoenix Veterans Day Parade. It’s one not lost on Sandeen.

“I am honored and humbled to be selected to be a grand marshal to represent Vietnam War veterans. There were two million people, men and women, that served in Vietnam. Over 300,000 were wounded in action, including me, over 58,000 were killed in action. I’m going to ride this parade not for me, but for them,” Sandeen said during a ceremony at the Arizona State Capitol on October 16.

Sandeen is one of nine veteran grand marshals for the parade representing every major conflict since World War II.

“Any time I see a veteran anywhere — on the street, restaurant, ballgame, or whatever, I always go up and thank them for their sacrifice and commitment to serve our country. Every one of them, including the men and women here, are my fellow veterans. They’re brave people, and they’re all heroes. They’re my heroes,” Sandeen said.

What you need to know about the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade

The Phoenix Veterans Day Parade starts Tuesday at 11 a.m., but the streets along the parade route will be closed starting at 10 a.m. to allow people time to set up spots to watch. The route runs from Central Avenue and Montebello Drive to 7th Street and Indian School Road.

For a full list of all the grand marshals and their stories, visit HAV Veterans Day Parade, Phoenix – Honoring America’s Veterans.

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