Marking its 27th year, the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade will feature eight grand marshals in the upcoming procession down Central Avenue on Nov. 11, one of whom was widely considered to be one of the …
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Marking its 27th year, the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade will feature eight grand marshals in the upcoming procession down Central Avenue on Nov. 11, one of whom was widely considered to be one of the most recognizable faces in America over 30 years ago.
Hailing from Scottsdale, 1980s supermodel Kim Alexis will serve as a celebrity grand marshal at the upcoming Veterans Day Parade to honor those who have served in the military.
At a young age, America was enraptured by the beauty of Kim Alexis, who was featured on over 500 worldwide magazine covers during her career as a supermodel. Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue all competed for Alexis’ contagious smile and timeless style.
The picture of health, Alexis transitioned from modeling to broadcasting to host TV shows such as “Your Mind and Body,” “Healthy Kids” and others shows. She became the fashion editor for Good Morning America and penned several books on health, modeling and more.
As the celebrity grand marshal for the upcoming Phoenix Veterans Day Parade, Alexis said she hopes to encourage veterans to be the best in all areas of life, understanding that true beauty comes from within.
“To be involved and be with all those special people who gave their lives is such an honor to be around them,” Alexis said.
As a female icon, Alexis looks up to women in service, saying they are performing at the “highest level of being a human.”
Alexis currently provides jail ministry for women exiting the penitentiary system, teaming with Arouet, Dress for Success and St. Vincent de Paul to help make a meaningful impact in the lives of women re-entering society.
Paula Pedene is the executive director of Honoring America’s Veterans, which sponsors the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade. Having someone like Alexis take part in the parade is a special honor, according to Pedene.
“She is so down to earth and just wonderful and really refreshing,” Pedene said.
As a U.S. Navy veteran who served during the Cold War and Desert Storm, Pedene says the parade is important for friends and families of veterans to gather, celebrate and honor those who have given their lives to the service of their country.
“Veterans Day is one day of the year where we can really say thank you to our nation’s veterans and honor and recognize them for the selfless service they have given to defend our freedom,” she said.
The seven other 2023 veteran grand marshals are:
U.S. Marine Corps World War II veteran, Navajo Code Talker Thomas Begay of Window Rock;
U.S. Navy - Korean War veteran Jerry Hecht, of Chandler;
U.S. Marine Corps - Vietnam War veteran Col. Herbert Pierpan of Scottsdale;
U.S. Marine Corps - Cold War veteran Hughes Byrne of Casa Grande;
U.S. Army - Desert Storm/Persian Gulf War veteran Patricia Little Upah of Tempe;
U.S. Air Force - Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran Jeffrey DeVore of Goodyear;
U.S. Army - Operation Enduring Freedom veteran Amanda Tallman of Peoria.
One major reason Alexis wanted to be involved with the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade was to get to know one of the last living Navajo Code Talkers, Thomas Begay.
“I feel like a little kid around him,” Alexis said. “He’s only one of three left in the whole world.”
Hosted by Honoring America’s Veterans, the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, starting from 5757 N. Central Ave. For more information about the parade and this year’s grand marshals, visit honoringamericasveterans.org.
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