Success Story

IAVA Across the Country For Independence Day
July 5 2012

On Wednesday, July 4th, IAVA member veterans, along with their friends and family, enjoyed spectacular Independence Day celebrations from coast to coast. At The Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA IAVA member veterans turned out in droves to celebrate the holiday, enjoying thrilling live motorcycle stunts, a drum and bugle corps ensemble, and delicious food. Just when everyone thought that Fourth of July events couldn’t get any better on the beautiful California night, IAVA member veteran Moses Maddox took center stage as he was the keynote speaker to the tens of thousands on hand.

Not to be outdone by the California festivities, IAVA local leaders led the way celebrating in their own areas. On the East Coast, members and supporters proudly marched in Hamilton, NJ and Philadelphia, PA braving the heat to raise awareness on issues facing this current generation of veterans. Local residents showed up in a big way to honor the sacrifices of these veterans and enjoy what turned out to be a great celebration of their service!  

Further south, IAVA joined with Bristol-Myers Squibb to celebrate the Fourth at two of the most iconic military areas in the country; Fort Bragg, NC and Norfolk, VA. Both of these events brought IAVA members and their friends and family together to watch live music, enjoy fireworks and connect with their fellow veterans.

As the Fouth of July Festivities spilled into the weekend, so too did the Welcome Home Parades. On Saturday, Austin, TX held their own Welcome Home Iraq Veterans Parade and Resource Fair and on Sunday Portsmouth, NHheld their Welcome Home , End of Iraq War Parade. At both events current and new IAVA members came out to support the veterans community in welcoming home their brothers and sisters in arms.

Press & Media

Watch an interview with IAVA Member Moses Maddox at Americafest.

Yahoo News - CBS 2 / KCAL 9 Los Angeles: Marine Veteran To Speak At Rose Bowl's Americafest
San Gabriel Valley Tribune: Rose Bowl's Americafest Show to Highlight Veterans Organization
Air Force Times: Even without PTSD, not all vets enjoy fireworks
The Huffington Post: The Ensign’s Meaning to Me
The State-Journal Register: Our Opinion: New fund for vets is a worthy cause
Associated Press: Didn't Send Your Kid to War? How about send $$
The Huffington Post: An “Americafest” for All Our Country’s Veterans
NPR Boston Here & Now: New Group Calls On Non-Military Families To Donate To Veterans

Get Involved

In just the last year, IAVA has connected hundreds of veterans with employers through innovative career fairs, helped over 10,000 veterans go to college on the New GI Bill, and provided mental health support to over 50,000 veterans—all at no cost to Member Veterans. Programs like these are only made possible through your generous support. Fight for those who fought for us and help us keep these resources and benefits completely free for new veterans and their families. DONATE >>

Not an IAVA member yet? What are you waiting for? IAVA Member Veterans get access to exclusive career fairs, events and tickets. Join up today--membership is free and all you have to do is submit proof of OIF/OND/OEF status.