A Purple Heart recipient will lead Maricopa’s Veterans Day parade this year, and organizers are encouraging residents to bring signs and banners honoring the service members who shaped their lives.

Sgt. Alan Rivera served two tours in Iraq as a Marine. In 2006, he was injured when an improvised explosive device detonated beneath a Humvee behind his vehicle. Rivera said he got out to help fellow Marines and a Navy IED team, pulling one injured team member to safety before he was struck by another explosion. He received the Purple Heart and the Navy Achievement Medal with a combat “V” for valor.

The parade, organized by the American Legion Auxiliary, is celebrating its 10th year with the theme “250 Years of Freedom” on Saturday, Nov. 7. The procession will include military vehicles, horses, classic cars, school groups and a flyover by Stearman aircraft.

“The community really has accepted this tradition now to honor our service members, which is wonderful,” said Gabby Potter, the auxiliary’s vice president and parade chairwoman.

Potter said the parade began as an idea about 11 years ago and has grown into a community effort involving schools, businesses, volunteers and city departments.

Residents can take part by bringing a banner or poster honoring a relative who served, giving families a chance to recognize their veterans from the sidelines.

“It’s another way to honor that person, even from the sidelines,” Potter said.

The parade begins 9 a.m. Nov. 7 near Central Arizona College on Bowlin and Porter Roads, ending near Leading Edge Academy and Saddleback Elementary. A flyover is planned shortly after 9 a.m.

Afterward, veterans and their families are invited to a free luncheon at Leading Edge Academy. Organizers also invite first responders to join the gathering in recognition of their service.