What is sad is the poorly researched headline.

First off, the city of Tempe does not organize or operate the parade. It is a private organization of volunteers who have taken on this labor of love each year.

Secondly, as accurately stated, last year, the parade did not take place due to Covid. The participants such as the high school bands must plan ahead for such events and given the continued concern regarding Covid that organizations such as the Tempe Union High School have expressed, it does not surprise me that participants are skiddish about participating this year. These are unprecedented times. If anything can be blamed for the cancellation this year it should be fear not lack of interest.

Many of us thank the current organizers who
have volunteered year in and year out for close to 3 decades to produce the Tempe Veterans Day Parade. We hope they will let the city actually become more involved in the event. Because the city of Tempe had always and will continue to honor our Vets.

But it is incredibly presumptuous and ill informed to say the parade was cancelled due to a lack of interest.

You’re so right, our veterans deserve all our praise and thanks!