Nominate an Arizona Veteran for the Veterans Grand Marshal Program
Arizona is home to approximately 450,000 veterans, including more than 245,000 in Maricopa County. Every one of them has a story of service, sacrifice, and resilience. Many continue serving their communities long after leaving the military through volunteerism, leadership, mentorship, and public service.
Each year, Honoring America's Veterans (HAV) recognizes seven exceptional veterans as Honor Our Heroes Veterans Grand Marshals during the HAV Veterans Day Parade in Phoenix on November 11. The program honors veterans from different eras of military service whose continued commitment to others reflects the very best of our veteran community.
About the Honor Our Heroes Program
The Veterans Grand Marshal Program recognizes veterans whose impact extends beyond their military service. Selected veterans represent their generation of service while inspiring others through their leadership, integrity, and continued dedication to their communities.
Veterans are selected from the following eras:
World War II (1941-1945)
Korean War (1950-1953)
Vietnam War (1958-1975)
Cold War (1945-1991)
Desert Storm (1990-1991)
Operation Enduring Freedom (2001-Present)
Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-2011)
Grand Marshals receive the honor of:
Parade participation – winners ride in the Parade.
Receive recognition by announcers at the seven-speaker towers along the parade route.
VIP Seating at the Parade for your family members.
Marshal’s bio and photo printed in the print/online parade program and HAV’s website.
Potential media recognition and thanks.
Veterans Day commemorative items.
Parade Awards Ceremony seating for four people to see you get your final recognition and mementos.
Spotlight on Past Grand Marshals
The program has honored many inspiring veterans over the years. West Valley Women Veterans is proud to have one of our own among the program's past honorees!
Amanda Tallman was selected as the 2023 Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran Grand Marshal in recognition of her military service and continued dedication to supporting veterans and their families.
Her selection is a reminder that service doesn't end when the uniform comes off. Veterans across Arizona continue to strengthen their communities every day, and many deserve this same recognition.
How to Submit a Nomination
The program seeks veterans who exemplify honor, service, leadership, and continued commitment to their communities. Ideal nominees are veterans who continue making a positive difference through volunteer service, mentorship, advocacy, nonprofit leadership, civic engagement, or other meaningful contributions.
You can nominate a family member, friend, neighbor, or community member. The program encourages everyone to participate in recognizing Arizona’s heroes!
If you know a veteran whose story deserves to be celebrated, take a few minutes to submit a nomination. Help us shine a light on Arizona’s heroes and show them the gratitude they deserve.
Submit your nomination here: Honor Our Heroes Veteran Grand Marshal Nomination Form
Why Your Nomination Makes a Difference
Recognizing veterans publicly helps build stronger communities. It reminds us all of the sacrifices made and the ongoing contributions veterans provide. When a veteran is honored as a Grand Marshal, it:
Inspires younger generations to value service and leadership
Strengthens community bonds by celebrating shared history
Provides veterans with a platform to share their stories and experiences
Your nomination can help ensure that deserving veterans receive the recognition they have earned and inspire others to follow their example!
