Mill Avenue was lined with men, women and chidren to observe and honor Veterans on Friday, Nov 11, 2011. The 2 hour Tempe Veterans Day Parade started at 10:00, traveling from ASU Gammage, north on Mill Avenue to Tempe Beach Park. Casino Arizona was the primary sponsor of this parade. Tempe Elks Lodge #2251 partnered with Jim Grone, Parade Chairman to kickoff the biggest parade in Jim's 29 year history.
Two Veteran's; Art Rangler and Bill Roser rode in the Wells Fargo Stage Coach. Platoon Sergeant Rangler was a USAF WWII Veteran serving in the Philippine Conflict and USAF CMSgt Roser was a WWII, Korea and Vietnam Veteran. Both gentlemen were highly decorated.
In addition, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, marching bands, honor guards, drill teams, motorcyclist, police & fire personnel, and many other organizations participated in the parade.
SRP - Veterans provided a viewing area and announced parade participants.
A ceremony was held in the park, following the parade, with Mayor Hallman and other speakers from the VFW, American Legion and Veterans Memorial Association. Bugler Eddie Rodriquez, performed also.
ER Delma Turnbull with the Tempe Elks Lodge #2251 (video) spoke to the crowd of thousands about Veterans and the support and services provided by the BPOE. Tempe Lodge Parade Co-chairs; Bill Santee and Earl Noon along with the many committee members, organized booths and served hotdogs in the park to the parade participants.
