Phoenix veterans forum marks lead-up to 30th parade anniversary

By AI, Created 9:38 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Honoring America’s Veterans will bring three generations of veterans together in Phoenix on May 7 to discuss service, sacrifice and what troops need after returning home. The forum also sets up the 30th anniversary of the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade and its 250 Years of Freedom, 30 Years of Honor theme.

Why it matters: - The forum will put firsthand military experiences in front of the Phoenix community as global conflict and service draw renewed attention. - The event is a lead-in to the 30th anniversary of the HAV Phoenix Veterans Day Parade. - The parade is described as one of the nation’s largest events honoring veterans. - The forum’s theme, 250 Years of Freedom, 30 Years of Honor, ties the nation’s 250th anniversary year to three decades of parade recognition.

What happened: - Honoring America’s Veterans will host the Veterans Forum, Generations of Service, 250 Years of Freedom, 30 Years of Honor, on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 8 a.m. - The forum will take place at Aunt Chilada’s Restaurant, 7330 N. Dreamy Draw, Phoenix, Arizona 85020. - Veterans from the Vietnam War, the Somalia conflict and Operation Iraqi Freedom will share personal reflections on service, sacrifice and reintegration. - The event is centered on what veterans need when they return home from conflict.

The details: - Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, will highlight Arizona’s efforts for the 250th anniversary. - HAV Executive Director Paula Pedene, a U.S. Navy Cold War and Desert Storm veteran, will present the historical timeline of wars and the impact veterans and the community have shared for freedom. - Rick Romley, a U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam veteran, will speak about what veterans need after returning home. - Aaron Dudney, a U.S. Army veteran of Somalia, will speak about what veterans need after returning home. - Brian Ishmael, a U.S. Army veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, will speak about what veterans need after returning home. - The event invites attendees to RSVP by May 4 at the event page.

Between the lines: - The lineup spans three eras of conflict, which gives the forum a broad generational frame rather than a single-war focus. - The emphasis on reintegration signals that the discussion is not only about service history, but also about veterans’ needs after deployment. - The parade anniversary gives the forum a promotional role, but the stated purpose is community remembrance and recognition across generations.

What’s next: - Honoring America’s Veterans will use the forum to build toward the 30th anniversary parade. - The organization is also positioning the event within a broader commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary. - Attendees can follow the organization on LinkedIn.