Pete Blair named Grand Marshall of Veterans Day Parade

Veteran and Mayor Al Litman salutes and presents fellow veteran Pete Blair a plaque honoring Blair as the 2014 Veterans Day parade Grand Marshall. Photo by Lou Martin

Veteran and Mayor Al Litman salutes and presents fellow veteran Pete Blair a plaque honoring Blair as the 2014 Veterans Day parade Grand Marshall. Photo by Lou Martin

Korean War Veteran Norbert Musil has blood drawn at the Veterans Health Fair Saturday morning. Photo by Lou Martin

Korean War Veteran Norbert Musil has blood drawn at the Veterans Health Fair Saturday morning. Photo by Lou Martin

“We’re expecting about 200 veterans today,” said Mesquite Veterans Center president Ken Maynard prior to the opening ceremonies. “We have 20 vendors and exhibitors in the building.” Veteran and Mesquite Mayor Al Litman, acting as moderator, began the day’s activities by asking the Veterans Honor Guard to post the colors. Litman led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance before introducing the Treble Makers Choir who performed patriotic songs.

“It has been customary to announce the Mesquite Veterans Day parade Grand Marshall at this event,” said Litman. He proceeded to describe a 24-year U.S. Army veteran who retired as a Lt. Colonel after 24 years in the military. It was then announced that 20-year Mesquite resident Pete Blair will be the 2014 Grand Marshall for the Veterans Day parade on November 1. Litman presented Blair a plaque commemorating the event. “I feel good about the honor but didn’t want to do it,” said Blair. ‘I’m no different than any other Vet.” Litman invited all attendees to enter the Sun City Pioneer Center.

Vendors representing health and other community organizations were set up in booths within the facility. Mesa View Hospital staff administered various medical procedures to veterans including blood pressure, blood work and glaucoma screening. Flu shots were also available to the Vets. Representatives from the Veterans Administration assisted Vets with enrollment and other questions.