Army veteran Roman Benavente will serve as the Grand Marshal and three distinguished veterans will also be highlighted during the parade: Coast Guard veteran Steve Day, Army veteran Craig Houk and Navy veteran Terry Oldfield. 

A retired Army Finance Command Sergeant Major, Benavente said he was “speechless” when he got the news about being the grand marshal.

“I didn’t know what to think because there are other veterans that are probably more fitting to be a grand marshal … but I’m totally humbled by the selection,” the 78-year-old Province resident told InMaricopa.  

Benavente spent three decades in the Army and served tours in Germany, Korea and Indiana, home of the 45th Finance Center. He is a recipient of the Distinguished Member of the Finance Regiment and the 7th Infantry Division Order of the Professional Bayonet.

While Benavente said he has innumerable memories from his time in the service, the people are what he remembers most.  

“It’s the soldiers and their families. I often think of them, and sometimes I do get phone calls from the folks I served with, and that makes me real proud,” he said. “My heart just feels happy that these people thought about me and feel I made a contribution.” 

As grand marshal, Benavente will lead the parade, an honor he said helps acknowledge the city’s veterans.  

“It’s just acknowledging the fact that there are many, many veterans here in Maricopa that are very deserving [of recognition] and we should as a nation ensure that we honor them on this particular day,” he said. “It’s just a special day to reflect on what veterans did for the nation … and thank them so their sacrifices didn’t go in vain.” 

The parade is entering its eighth year. Last year’s event saw hundreds of spectators lining Porter Road with chairs, flags and cheers for a glimpse of floats and parade marchers.  

Festivities begin at 9 a.m. at Bowlin and Porter Roads and will last approximately two hours. Veterans and their families will be treated to a free lunch afterwards. 

For more information, visit the Maricopa Veterans Day Parade social media page.