Anthem Scholars Honor Veterans at Parade

Great Hearts Anthem was honored to participate in the 18^th Annual Daisy Mountain Veterans Parade held this past Saturday, November 5, 2022. A float decorated with the word “Heroes” in red, white, and blue featured pictures of Veterans associated with our school. We celebrated four Great Hearts Anthem Veterans by inviting them to sit on the float and greet spectators.

The Daisy Mountain Veterans Parade was established in 2005.  The parade has grown from a small neighborhood event to one of the most prestigious patriotic parades in Arizona.  This was a such a fun way for our scholars to learn more about their community and understand the importance of honoring those who have served our country.

Along the parade route was the Anthem Veterans Memorial.  The Memorial is an Arizona State Marker and world-renown.  The five pillars of the memorial represent the unity of the five branches of the United States military serving steadfastly together.  Staggered in size with their appropriate military seal placements on each pillar, they are arranged in the Department of Defense order of precedence.  At precisely 11:11 a.m. each Veterans Day (November 11), the sun’s rays pass through the ellipses of the five Armed Services pillars to form a solar spotlight on the glass mosaic of The Great Seal of the United States.  The brick pavers within the Circle of Honor are inscribed with the names of U.S. servicemen and women, symbolizing the ‘support’ for the Armed Forces. The red pavers, white pillars, and the blue sky represent America’s flag.

This year’s Veterans Day ceremony at the Memorial on November 11, 2022, will honor those who served during the Vietnam War.  In conjunction with the ongoing 50th Anniversary of the ending of the Vietnam War, there will be a pinning ceremony beginning at 9:00 am to “Welcome Home” Vietnam Veterans.

Please join Great Hearts in continuing to honor the men and women who have served and continue to serve our country.

Do you have a story or know of a story that you would like to see featured at Great Hearts?  Please contact jmoore@greatheartsamerica.org.