Support the troops in Welcome Home parade March 31 Tucson, Ariz., February 27, 2012 — Arizonans from all walks of life will cheer the troops and wave American flags at a long overdue parade to welcome home returning servicemen and women from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. The Saturday parade on March 31 begins at 10:30 a.m. in downtown Tucson. Parade viewers are encouraged to bring small American flags to wave. The parade salutes veterans and active-duty personnel in the U.S. armed services who fought in the Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom–Afghanistan wars. All other veterans are invited to participate. The parade’s organizer, Alan Toppel, said, “Our valiant warriors need to be honored for their service to our country and the brave sacrifices they have made for the cause of freedom.” The City of Tucson Veterans’ Affairs Committee unanimously endorsed the parade. Committee Chair Vern Pall said, “This will be a memorable parade and a proud day for our community. The Committee appreciates the chance to say welcome home and thank you to these troops.” The parade will progress north on Stone Avenue from Pennington Street, move west on Franklin Street, then turn south on Main Avenue, east on Alameda Street, south on Church Avenue, and then head east on Pennington. The parade will end where it began at Stone and Pennington. The parade organizing committee welcomes parade entries, sponsorships, volunteers, and donations. Forms are available on the Facebook page at http://tinyurl.com/TWHVP. For more information, please contact Alan Toppel at (520) 495-7064 or email tucsonswelcomehome@gmail.com.