For the 20th consecutive year, U-Haul proudly sponsored the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade and had nearly 100 Team Members, family members and friends march through the streets of Midtown to honor those who served.
Saying thank you to the heroes who have risked their lives to protect our freedoms never gets old. Nor should it.
On a perfect sun-soaked Monday in the Valley, where U-Haul International has been headquartered since 1967, Team U-Haul gathered with other parade entries at NPHX Church at Central Avenue and Bethany Home Road – the event’s starting point. The parade route covered more than two miles of Phoenix streets lined with patriotic onlookers, finishing at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center at Indian School Road and 7th Street.
U-Haul was near the front of the line and the first company for observers to applaud once the event commenced at 11 a.m. with the traditional flyover of classic aircraft. U-Haul 10-foot box trucks showcasing the distinguished U.S. Armed Forces Commemorative SuperGraphics slowly rolled through the streets, flanked by Team Members handing out miniature American flags to clamoring children and handmade “thank you” cards to appreciative veterans.
The customary U-Haul-led chants of “God Bless America,” “Support our Troops,” “Let’s Go U-Haul” and “U-S-A” sparked crowd participation and fostered a festive atmosphere.
The panoply of sights and sounds was remarkable as usual: the synchronization of ROTC students; the triumphant hymns from local high school bands; the rhythmic clatter of Clydesdale hooves on the pavement; the “cool factor” of vintage military vehicles and classic civilian cars; and, of course, the decorated floats to honor specific veterans and regiments.
Memorable Moments
Kevin Kulothungan, a member of the U-Haul Recruiting team, noted: “One of the most memorable moments was seeing the pride in the faces of individuals. Especially young children, who waved small American flags with so much enthusiasm. It was a touching reminder of the lasting impact veterans have on future generations.
“I had a particularly memorable interaction with a World War II veteran who shared a quick story about his time in the service. His humility and gratitude were humbling. He thanked us for participating in the parade. But in reality, we were there to thank him and his fellow veterans for their service. It was a powerful moment that left an impression.”
Commitment to Honor
Honoring America’s Veterans (HAV) puts on the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade. HAV is a nonprofit organization committed to honoring veterans and their families by providing meaningful events, valuable resources, and ongoing support.
Veterans Day, observed on Nov. 11 each year, originates from the end of World War I when an armistice between the Allied nations and Germany took effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month: Nov. 11, 1918. In this solemn moment, people remember the sacrifices of all those who served in the military, honoring their courage and dedication.
Personal Impact
Jay Harris, who oversees the U-Haul Digital Asset Management system, added: “It brings me joy that I am surrounded by colleagues with a mutual passion to go out in the community and show our gratitude for the people who served this country. I take great pride in working at U-Haul who provides many great opportunities to do that.
“I was able to interact with veterans and their families at this event. Getting the chance to hand the veterans a handwritten card from U-Haul, thank them, and let them know they are appreciated was phenomenal. It does not get any more personable than that. Our veterans are some of our biggest heroes. It was important to go all out and recognize their sacrifice.”
Supporting Our Heroes
U-Haul is the original veterans moving company with its history of veteran affiliation and support dating back nearly 80 years. WWII Navy veteran L.S. Shoen and his wife, Anna Mary Carty Shoen, founded U-Haul in 1945. Many of the Company’s first Team Members, local dealers and customers were veterans returning from the war, seeking a better life through U-Haul self-move services.
Today, U-Haul continues to recruit veterans to its workforce because it understands and values the veteran commitment to team, service and doing a job right. U-Haul also designates a significant portion of its community service funds to honor veterans and help veteran organizations. Beyond its 20 years of participation in the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade, U-Haul sponsors many other Veterans Day parades as well as the National Memorial Day Parade.
Read more stories about U-Haul Company’s commitment to veterans by clicking here: https://myuhaulstory.com/?s=veterans.
