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 Safford City Hall and the Graham County Courthouse were installed last Saturday and will remain in place until Sunday, Nov. 12.
On Thursday, at 11 a.m., in front of the College’s clock tower, the Associated Students of Eastern Arizona College (ASEAC) will hold a commemorative Veteran’s Day program.
Dr. Gary Sorensen, EAC dean of students, will open the program and ASEAC President Mark Wren will introduce the featured speaker, EAC SBDC director and U.S. military veteran, Eric Bejarano.
Members of EAC band will perform patriotic and uplifting music prior to the ceremony. EAC choirs will sing the “Star-Spangled Banner” and, following a moment of silence, EAC music professor Chase Moore will lead a special presentation of “Taps.”
On Saturday, the Valley’s annual Veterans Day parade and ceremony will take place at a specific time.
“The 11th month, 11th day, the 11th hour, because that celebrated the end of the war, World War I. And that was originally called Armistice Day,” said Chris Gibbs with the Safford Lions Club.
The parade will travel west on Main Street, from Central Avenue to 8th Avenue, ending in front of Graham County Courthouse, where the ceremony will take place.
Following the ceremony, American Legion Swift-Murphy Post 32 will host a luncheon honoring veterans.
One week later, on Friday, Nov. 17, Gila Valley Veterans Services will host the 10th annual Veterans and Family Resource Fair at Graham County Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The fair allows veterans to access federal, state and local resources, everything from education and health services, to pet services and even haircuts. Plus professionals will be on hand to help those dealing with substance and mental health issues.
The Veterans and Family Resource Fair is sponsored by the United Way of Graham and Greenlee Counties, Arizona @ Work, Graham County, Arizona Department of Veterans Services and the Arizona Veterans Standdown Alliance.
