Community event celebrates “250 Years of Freedom, 30 Years of Honor” and recognizes veterans, military families and their contributions

PHOENIX, Nov. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — University of Phoenix is proud to support the 30th annual Phoenix Veterans Day Parade as a Medal of Honor sponsor, joining nonprofit Honoring America’s Veterans and the Phoenix community in recognizing the service, sacrifice and contributions of U.S. military veterans and their families.

Held each Veterans Day, the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade brings together veterans, military families, community organizations and supporters to honor those who have served the nation. This year’s milestone event commemorates three decades of community recognition and gratitude with the theme,”250 Years of Freedom, 30 Years of Honor.”

“University of Phoenix is honored to support an event that has united our community in appreciation of veterans for 30 years,” said Sandra Perez, vice president of Student Administrative Services and head of the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs. “As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we recognize the courage, dedication and sacrifices of veterans and their families. We are proud to support an event that brings people together to honor their service and helps ensure their stories continue to inspire future generations.”

Celebrating 30 years of honoring veterans

For three decades, Honoring America’s Veterans has helped bring the Phoenix community together to recognize veterans from every era of service. The annual parade serves as an opportunity to honor the men and women who wore the nation’s uniform and the families whose support helped sustain them throughout their military journeys.

From veterans of World War II to those who have served in more recent conflicts, the parade celebrates stories of service, resilience and commitment that continue to strengthen communities across Arizona and the nation. Over the past 30 years, the parade has been enjoyed by an estimated 1.5 million spectators and participants and has recognized the service of 600,000 veterans.

The University of Phoenix parade entry features a large balloon and a team of veteran employees, family members and friends accompanying the float. The event this year featured 46 parade entries, including 13 veteran service organizations, eight floats, eight military vehicles, and six high school marching bands.  

A community tradition with a new parade route

This year’s parade continues that tradition while introducing a new parade route designed to welcome participants and spectators for another memorable community celebration. Community members are encouraged to bring their families, wave American flags and join neighbors, veterans and supporters for a day dedicated to gratitude, remembrance and patriotism.

“The Phoenix Veterans Day Parade is about far more than marching bands, floats and celebration,” said Paula Pedene, U.S. Navy Veteran and Executive Director and Founder of Honoring America’s Veterans. “For 30 years, it has provided an opportunity for our community to come together and recognize the men and women who served our country and the families who stood beside them. As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we look forward to continuing this tradition of honor, appreciation and community for generations to come.”

Supporting veterans beyond Veterans Day

University of Phoenix remains committed to supporting veterans, active-duty service members and military families through education and career-focused resources designed to meet learners where they are. The University’s Office of Military and Veterans Affairs and Veterans Employee Resource Group support veteran-centered initiatives throughout the year and help strengthen connections among military-affiliated students, alumni, faculty and staff.

University of Phoenix has 300 veteran staff and faculty members and more than 330 members of the University’s Veterans Employee Resource Group. The University of Phoenix Office of Military and Veterans Affairs and the Veterans’ Employee Resource Group (ERG) collaborate to promote the event to staff, students and faculty and provide volunteer support.

University of Phoenix serves the educational goals of veterans and military students, with specially trained staff to assist service members, veterans, and military spouses and dependents. In addition to providing career-relevant education for military students and flexibility that fits military student and working adult schedules, veteran and military students’ military experience and training can be assessed for possible college credit.

About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is Built for Real Life. 50 Years Strong. The University innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world through flexible online learning, relevant courses, academic AI pillars, and skills-mapped curriculum for associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Active students and alumni have access to Career Services for Life® resources including career guidance and tools. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

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SOURCE University of Phoenix