Daisy Mountain Veterans Parade Celebrates 20th Anniversary
Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography by Loralei Lazurek
On a crisp November morning in Anthem, the rumble of vintage military vehicles mingles with the cheers of the crowd. Flags wave and veterans beam with pride. It’s a scene that has played out annually for two decades, growing from humble beginnings into a beloved community tradition.
This year, the Daisy Mountain Veterans Parade celebrates its 20th anniversary, a milestone that speaks volumes about Anthem’s enduring commitment to honoring those who have served our nation.
Mary Ann Derryberry, the parade’s founder and a Marine Corps veteran herself, recalls the event’s inception in 2005 with a mixture of pride and amazement.
“We started completely from scratch,” Derryberry says. “The first year, we had 111 entries, which was incredible. John Sefton, who was in charge of Anthem at the time, was blown away.”
That inaugural parade set a high bar, featuring three Navajo code talkers, a warbird flyover and a Native American in full regalia leading the procession on horseback.
“I mean, it couldn’t have been any better,” Derryberry reflects.
Two decades later, the parade has become a cornerstone of Anthem’s identity, drawing participants and spectators from across the region. Its growth mirrors that of the community itself, evolving from a fledgling development to a tight-knit town with a strong sense of patriotism and respect for military service.
Josh Miller, the current parade chair and a fellow Marine Corps veteran, has witnessed this evolution firsthand since taking the reins in 2016.
“It’s turned into quite an undertaking, but we’ve kind of got a system down,” Miller explains. “I wouldn’t say it’s a well-oiled machine, but it’s an oiled machine where we know what needs to be done.”
Community Spirit: The Heart of the Parade
The parade’s endurance is a testament to the dedication of its organizers and the unwavering support of the Anthem community. Local businesses, churches and residents have rallied behind the event year after year, providing everything from financial sponsorship to logistical support.
The community’s support often manifests in unexpected and heartwarming ways. Derryberry fondly recalls how, in the early years, a neighbor would help power one of the announcer stations by running an extension cord over his backyard wall. This simple act of kindness exemplifies the grassroots spirit that has sustained the parade for two decades.
“It’s heartwarming,” Derryberry says. “Without that kind of support and care from the community, it wouldn’t have lasted 20 years.”
This community spirit extends to the parade participants themselves. Many groups have made the event an annual tradition, including the Musical Theatre of Anthem, which has been part of the parade since 2009.
Jackie Hammond, MTA’s producing artistic director, has seen the impact on young performers.
“When kids audition and are selected for the Outreach Group, many exclaim, ‘Now I get to be on the float for the parade!’” Hammond says. “It’s especially meaningful because many of them have previously enjoyed the parade as spectators.”
Youth for Troops, another stalwart participant, is dedicated to inspiring patriotism among young people. The group’s president, Tonya Piatt, remembers a poignant moment from a past parade when one of its founders welcomed home a Vietnam veteran.
“He held onto her hand, becoming emotional,” Piatt recalls. “He said he appreciated it because he had never heard ‘welcome home’ before.”
Such moments underscore the parade’s significance beyond mere spectacle. For many veterans, especially those who served in Vietnam, the event offers a long-overdue welcome home and a chance to heal old wounds.
“We were treated so awfully when we came home from that war,” Derryberry, a Vietnam War veteran, recalls. “Because of that experience, Vietnam vets like us have pledged that no other returning veteran is ever going to come home to a reception like that again.”
Honoring All Who Served: Past, Present and Future
This commitment to honoring all who have served is at the heart of the parade’s mission. Each year, the organizers strive to recognize different groups of veterans and highlight various aspects of military service.
“We’ve honored Buffalo Soldiers and Tuskegee Airmen,” Derryberry remembers. “Another year, we honored World War II veterans. It meant a lot to the families. They brought relatives from out of town to see their loved ones be honored.”
For the 20th anniversary, the parade is placing special emphasis on the families of those currently serving. This year’s grand marshal is Rear Adm. Tucker and his wife, embodying the parade’s dual focus on veterans and their families. The event will also feature a special section for Gold Star families, honoring those who have lost loved ones in service to the nation.
As the parade has grown, so too have the logistical challenges. What began as a grassroots effort now requires months of planning, coordination with local authorities and the efforts of numerous volunteers.
“We’re actively trying to build a larger committee,” Miller says. “There are about 50 little pieces, and one person handling all 50 is a challenge. Individually, they’re manageable.”
Despite these challenges, the parade continues to attract new participants and spectators each year. Its appeal lies not just in the pageantry but in the deeply personal connections it fosters between the community and its veterans.
“The most memorable moments have always been when we sing the service branch songs,” Hammond says. “As we pass by, spectators associated with each branch often stand up, sing along with us or thank us for our performance. These interactions create a powerful connection between our performers and the veterans in the audience, making the experience truly special for everyone involved.”
The parade has also become a platform for educating younger generations about military service and sacrifice.
“We talk about the parade in every presentation we give at schools, businesses and civic organizations, and speak to the importance of continuing traditions that honor our veterans,” Piatt says.
Over the years, the parade has featured a wide array of participants, from high-profile guests to local community groups. Derryberry recalls a particularly moving year when they honored two Gold Star mothers as grand marshals, including Mary Tillman, mother of Pat Tillman.
The parade has also welcomed unique entries that have become crowd favorites.
“The Shriners absolutely love us,” Derryberry says. “From day one, we consciously tried to make them feel welcome. One year, they even brought two camels — and the female was in heat! Watching them try to keep the male camel under control was hilarious.”
Looking Ahead: The Next 20 Years
Looking to the future, both Derryberry and Miller express hope that younger generations will step up to ensure the parade’s continued success.
“I understand that young people have new jobs and children, but everyone has choices to make,” Derryberry says. “If supporting veterans is the only thing you do all year, I pray it’s the parade.”
Miller echoes this sentiment, noting that his own 16-year-old daughter, Jolie, is becoming more involved in the parade’s operations this year.
“She’s plugging in even more this year as a high school junior,” he explains. “We’d love to have more young people actively involved on the operational side.”
As the Daisy Mountain Veterans Parade marks its 20th anniversary, it stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when a community comes together in support of a noble cause. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a beloved annual tradition, the parade embodies the spirit of gratitude, respect and patriotism that defines Anthem.
For those who have never attended, Miller has some simple advice.
“Come early and bring a chair,” he says.
Derryberry offers a final thought.
“If we do our job well, you’ll want to give back,” she says. “Hopefully, people will find the time to help us produce this parade year after year.”
As Anthem prepares to line the streets once again, the 20th Daisy Mountain Veterans Parade promises to be a celebration not just of military service but of community, tradition and the enduring power of gratitude. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when a small town with a big heart decides to honor its heroes in a truly unforgettable way.
The parade organizers are actively seeking volunteers to help with various aspects of the event. Those interested in contributing their time and skills can reach out through the Daisy Mountain Veterans website or contact the parade committee directly.
On Saturday, Nov. 9, Anthem will once again transform into a sea of red, white and blue. The 20th annual Daisy Mountain Veterans Parade will serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by our nation’s heroes and the strength of a community united in gratitude and respect. It’s more than just a parade; it’s a living, breathing testament to the enduring spirit of service that defines both our veterans and the town they call home.
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