Celebrating Veterans, Community, and 16 Years of Service Through Legend Acres

Veterans Day is a time to recognize the men and women who have served our country, honor the sacrifices made by military families, and recognize the veterans who continue serving their communities long after their military service.

On Wednesday, November 11, 2026, Legend Acres will participate in the City of Surprise Veterans Day Parade at Surprise Stadium in Surprise, Arizona.

For Legend Acres, this parade carries special meaning. Our founder, Kristi May, is a disabled Army combat veteran who founded Legend Acres 16 years ago. Her leadership and commitment to serving others have helped shape an organization whose programs bring together people, animals, education, and community service.

This Veterans Day, we invite our community to join us in recognizing military service, supporting veterans, and celebrating the programs that continue this work throughout the West Valley.

A Veteran Founder With a Mission to Serve

Legend Acres was founded by Kristi May, a disabled Army combat veteran, 16 years ago.

Her military service is an important part of the organization's identity. Today, Legend Acres brings together dog training, equine education, service dog development, therapy animal preparation, and community programs.

The organization serves veterans, civilian families, individuals, animal professionals, and community organizations through education and programs built around the human-animal bond.

Legend Acres believes in science-based, force-free, fear-free training. Our approach emphasizes positive reinforcement, understanding animal behavior, developing practical skills, and respecting the welfare of every animal involved.

Veterans Day gives us an opportunity to recognize the service of our founder and the many veterans who continue contributing to their communities.

Programs That Bring Veterans, Animals, and Community Together

The Legend Acres family includes several programs with distinct missions.

Legend's Heroes: Service Dog Development

Legend's Heroes provides service dog development for veteran and civilian teams.

Service dogs require thoughtful development, appropriate training, and a strong understanding of the responsibilities involved in working as a team.

The program supports the development of capable human-animal partnerships through education, training, and individualized preparation.

Riding With Honor: Veterans and Horses

Riding With Honor brings veterans and horses together through the Legend Acres equine programs.

Horses offer opportunities for learning, horsemanship, connection, and meaningful participation in equine activities.

The program reflects the important place of veterans within the Legend Acres community.

Legend's Pet Partners Community: Therapy Animal Teams

Legend's Pet Partners Community brings together prepared therapy dog teams who serve hospitals, schools, and senior communities throughout the West Valley.

These teams share the benefits of positive human-animal interactions through community visits and volunteer service.

Their work represents another way people and animals contribute to the well-being of their communities.

Legend Acres Charities

Legend Acres Charities is also part of the Legend Acres family, extending the organization's commitment to community service and its broader mission.

Together, these programs represent the many ways Legend Acres brings people and animals together through education, service, and community participation.

Join Legend Acres at the 2026 Surprise Veterans Day Parade

We are proud to participate in the City of Surprise Veterans Day Parade on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at Surprise Stadium.

We welcome community members, veterans, families, supporters, and friends to join our parade entry.

You do not need to be a veteran or own an animal to participate. Walkers and float riders are welcome.

Veterans Day Parade Schedule

Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Location: Surprise Stadium, Surprise, Arizona
8:00 AM: Float building begins.
9:00 AM: Dog teams gather.
10:00 AM: Parade steps off.

Walkers and float riders should register in advance so we have an accurate participant count.

Register here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/pawsgiving

Whether you walk alongside our entry or join us aboard the float, your participation helps us recognize veterans and celebrate the community that supports them.

Honoring Veterans Beyond Veterans Day

Veterans Day is one day on the calendar, but recognizing veterans and supporting their continued contributions to our communities deserves attention throughout the year.

At Legend Acres, our programs provide opportunities for veterans and civilians to participate in dog training, service dog development, horsemanship, therapy animal programs, and community education.

We also recognize the importance of the families, volunteers, supporters, and community partners who contribute to these programs.

To every veteran who has served, every military family who has supported someone through service, and every person who continues finding ways to serve their community, we extend our sincere appreciation.

From our founder, Kristi May, and the entire Legend Acres family, thank you for your service.

Join Us in Honoring Our Veterans

If you are in the Surprise and West Valley community, we invite you to join Legend Acres at the November 11 Veterans Day Parade.

Register to walk or ride on our float: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/pawsgiving

Questions about participating or Legend Acres programs?
Call or text: (931) 516-3064
Email: info@legend-acres.com

Please share this article with a veteran, military family, friend, or neighbor who would appreciate joining us.

We look forward to recognizing our veterans together.

Legend Acres. Honoring service, strengthening partnerships, and bringing our community together.