Ken_KMF Strategies/Flickr/CC BY 2.0
Audio By Carbonatix
Veterans Day will be observed on Tuesday, Nov. 11, and around the Valley, ceremonies, parades and other events will honor those who have served in the U.S. military.
Want to take a moment to observe the holiday? Here are nine places around metro Phoenix to do so.
Chandler Veterans Day Event
Sunday, Nov. 9
Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Road, Chandler
Observe Veterans Day in Chandler this weekend with the unveiling of the honor wall in the Field of Honor, a permanent tribute recognizing veterans at the park. The event begins at 5:30 p.m.
Will you step up to support New Times this year?
We’re aiming to raise $30,000 by December 31, so we can continue covering what matters most to you. If New Times matters to you, please take action and contribute today, so when news happens, our reporters can be there.
East Valley Veterans Day Parade
Tuesday, Nov. 11
Center Street and University Drive, Mesa
The theme of this year’s East Valley Veterans Day Parade is “Ready Then, Ready Now: 250 Years of Military Service.” The event begins at 11 a.m. on Center St. and University Drive in Mesa, and runs south on Center St. to First St., turns west onto First St. and continues to Robson. The grand marshal is U.S. Marine Corps veteran Corporal Bob Brutinel, who grew up in Arizona and fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima.
Goodyear Veterans Day Festival
Tuesday, Nov. 11
City Hall, 1900 N. City Square, Goodyear
In the West Valley, the Veterans Day festival hosted by the city of Goodyear will include live music, patriotic murals, patriotic arts and crafts, a tribute flag garden, veterans resources and informational vendors, food trucks and more. Hours are 5 to 8 p.m.
Heard Museum
Tuesday, Nov. 11
2301 N. Central Ave.
The Heard hosts an annual event honoring Indigenous veterans. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., enjoy stories by veterans, veteran artist demonstrations, Native music, a film screening, family activities, dance performances, community partner tables and more. Starting at 5 p.m., witness a special Sunset Tribute commemorating the 13th anniversary of the American Indian Veterans National Memorial. The free event is outside the museum and does not include admission, but veterans and active-duty military personnel plus one additional guest get free museum admission on Veterans Day.
Honoring American Veterans
Phoenix Veterans Day Parade
Tuesday, Nov. 11
Central Ave. and Montebello Drive
The Phoenix Veterans Day Parade will begin at 11 a.m. near Central Ave. and Montebello Drive, heading south on Central to Camelback Road, turning east on Camelback Road to Seventh St., turning south on Seventh and ending at Indian School Road. Actor, UFC champion and veteran Randy Couture is the celebrity grand marshal. The parade will include entries from nearly 100 companies and organizations.
Scottsdale Veterans Day Commemoration
Tuesday, Nov. 11
City Hall Memorial Lawn, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale
Scottsdale’s annual Veterans Day Commemoration will feature remarks from local leaders, a moment of remembrance and a keynote address from Air Force veteran Mario Valencia, who will share his story of resilience and recovery as a survivor of the 1995 attack on the Khobar Towers barracks in Saudi Arabia. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to noon.
Surprise Veterans Day Parade and Celebration
Tuesday, Nov. 11
Bullard Ave. and Paradise Lane, Surprise
A parade is just the beginning of Surprise’s Veterans Day event. The parade begins at 10 a.m. and will run along Bullard Ave. from Paradise Lane to Tierra Buena Lane. Next, a celebration featuring live music, various food trucks, a beer garden, kids activities will run until 3 p.m.Spectators can also pay their respects and honor servicemembers at the Veteran’s Reflection Circle outdoor memorial at Surprise Community Park.
Tempe Veterans Day Parade
Tuesday, Nov. 11
ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe
The Tempe Veterans’ Day Parade is a decades-long tradition. This year, the event will begin at ASU Gammage at 10 a.m. and proceed north on Mill Avenue, ending at Tempe Beach Park. Parade participants include members of the Tempe City Council, various Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, local school marching bands, community members, veterans groups and others. Volunteers will hand out thousands of small flags to children and veterans along the parade route.
West Valley Veterans Day Ceremony & Walk/Run
Tuesday, Nov. 11
Estrella Mountain Community College, 3000 N. Dysart Road, Avondale
Get your blood pumping on Veterans Day with a 5K run/1K walk beginning at 9:45 a.m. Cost is $40 for the race and $25 for the walk; proceeds benefit the Dr. Ernest Lara – EMCC Veterans Scholarship Fund. The city of Avondale’s police and fire departments will be on-site with interactive, family-friendly activities. There will be a veterans ceremony at 11 a.m.
