SAFFORD — Graham County is getting ready to celebrate those willing to serve the nation.
The flags commemorating veterans as part of the Field of Honor in front of the Graham County Courthouse have been installed and the others in front of Safford City Hall will be placed Saturday. The flags will remain in place until Sunday, Nov. 17.
The Field of Honor was started in 2019 by the Safford Lions Club and residents place a flag in honor of a family member or friend who served or is currently serving in any branch of the United State military. A tag naming the veteran or active-duty member of the military is attached to the flag pole.
On Monday, Safford’s annual Veterans Day parade and ceremony will take place on Main Street. Parade entrants will line up on 3rd Avenue starting at 7 a.m. and, at 10 a.m., the parade will start and head east to the Graham County Courthouse.
At 11 a.m., on the steps of the Courthouse, the Gila Valley’s annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony will take place. American Legion Swift-Murphy Post 32 Commander Eric Taylor will open the ceremony with a call for the posting of the colors by the Gila Valley Honor Guard, followed by a performance of the national anthem.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Speakers will include the winner of the inaugural Field of Honor Essay Contest, Maigan Ferrin, and Eric Bejarano, who served in the Marines and was recently presented with a Veteran Servant Leader Award by U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz.
Also at 11 a.m., the Associated Students of Eastern Arizona College will conduct a Veteran’s Day celebration on the college’s middle campus, at the Clock Tower.
Performing will be the EAC Marching Band and the A Cappella Choir.
Following the ceremonies, American Legion Swift-Murphy Post 32 will host a luncheon honoring veterans, and veterans will be treated to a free lunch by SEACUS at the Graham County Senior Center.
