Opinion

Honoring those who served: Why I still do this work after 30 years

Paula Pedene reflects on what's behind her commitment to annual Phoenix Veterans Day Parade

Paula Pedene

Submitted photo/Honoring America's Veterans

Paula Pedene at the microphone during a Far East Network broadcast.

Submitted photo/Paula Pedene

OPINION — Every Veterans Day, there is a moment that reminds me why I do this work.

It isn’t the marching bands, the magnificent floats or the thousands of spectators lining Phoenix streets. It’s the veteran who stands a little taller when someone applauds. It’s the tears in the eyes of someone who returned from war decades ago without ever hearing the words, “Thank you for your service.”

Those moments have kept me going for 30 years.

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Honoring those who served: Why I still do this work after 30 years

Paula Pedene reflects on what's behind her commitment to annual Phoenix Veterans Day Parade

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Honoring those who served: Why I still do this work after 30 years

Paula Pedene reflects on what's behind her commitment to annual Phoenix Veterans Day Parade

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