Central Arizona College Veterans Day Ceremonies
When: 11:30 a.m. Nov. 8 (Superstition campus); 10 a.m. Nov. 10 (Signal Peak campus)
Where: Superstition Mountain Campus, 273 E. Old West Highway, Apache Junction; Signal Peak Campus, 8470 N. Overfield Road, Coolidge
Details: The ceremonies at both will feature the Presentation of Colors, singing of the national anthem, special words of thanks, guest speakers and light snacks.
Josh Gracin concert
When: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 9
Where: Higley Center for the Performing Arts, 4132 E. Pecos Road, Gilbert.
Details: The U.S. military veteran, “American Idol” fourth place finisher and singer of five Billboard Top 20 singles performs. Nick Nicholson opens the show. $15. (480) 279-7194 or www.higleyarts.org
Gilbert Veterans Day Ceremony
When: 11:30 a.m. Nov. 10
Where: The lawn of the Gilbert Municipal Center, 90 E. Civic Center Drive
Details: The town, in partnership with the American Legion (Merrill-Mitchell Post 39), will host a ceremony to honor veterans. Capt. Steven Borden, commanding officer of the Naval ROTC program at Arizona State University, is the guest speaker. The Mesquite High School band will play patriotic music prior to the ceremony at 11 a.m. Afterward, a complimentary lunch will be served. Seating is provided, but guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs.
Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall
When: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Nov. 11-13
Where: Tempe Beach Park, 54 W. Rio Salado Parkway
Details: A replica of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C., will be available over the holiday weekend in Tempe. The 3/5 scale of the memorial travels the country to provide Americans, who otherwise may not be able to make the trip to Washington, a chance to commemorate the family, friends and neighbors who died in the war. Visitors will have the chance to find specific veterans on the wall.
Support the American Legion
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 11
Where: Advanced Collision Repair, 7015 S. Harl Ave., Tempe
Details: The American Legion, the nation’s largest veteran’s community service organization, is hosting a fundraiser to help build a new post in Scottsdale. The fundraiser includes a free car wash by Sly’s Carwash of Queen Creek, free lunch from Jason’s Deli and raffle prize drawings. All donations and raffle money will be donated to the American Legion to help build a new post in Scottsdale. Food will be served between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Tempe Veterans Day Parade
When: 10 a.m. Nov. 11
Where: Mill Avenue District, beginning at Gammage Auditorium and ending at Tempe Beach Park
Details: Mayor Hugh Hallman will lead the Veterans Day Parade. Pack your lawn chairs, bring your American flags, make posters supporting our veterans and show your patriotism and respect.
East Valley Veterans Day Parade
When: 11 a.m. Nov. 11
Where: North to south on Center Street in downtown Mesa.
Details: People line the street to watch this annual tribute to those who have given military service to our country.
Information: (480) 827-4700 or www.mesaveterans.org.
Groundbreaking of the Veterans Memorial-Tempe
When: Noon Nov. 11
Where: Tempe Beach Park, 54 W. Rio Salado Parkway
Details: Join the Tempe City Council, Mayor Hugh Hallman, the Arizona Veterans Foundation and the Rio Salado Foundation as they break ground on the city’s Veterans Memorial. The memorial, when completed, will feature a courtyard with flags and benches, an incorporation of the Ash Avenue Bridge abutment and 80 panels of steel with a silhouette of American soldiers throughout history.
Information: www.supportriosalado.org.
Concert for Peace
When: 7 p.m. Nov. 11
Where: Tempe History Museum, 809 E. Southern Ave.
Details: To honor veterans and remember Armistice Day, the Tempe History Museum will host a concert featuring the Pangean Orchestra. The Phoenix-based orchestra brings together people and instruments from all over the world.
Free-Fee Day at Tonto National Forest
When: All day Nov. 11
Where: Tonto National Forest
Details: All fees will be waived in honor of Veteran’s Day. During all other times, the Tonto Pass is required at more than 50 recreational sites including Salt and Verde river locations, campgrounds, boat launch ramps, swimming areas and day use areas.
Information: www.fs.usda.gov/tonto
Gathering of Legends
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 12
Where: Arizona Wing Aviation Museum, 2017 N. Greenfield Road, Mesa
Details: Military aviators from the Tuskegee Airmen, Womens Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs), World War II fighter aces, former British Royal Air Force cadets who trained at Falcon Field and more will gather to celebrate Veterans Day. Normal museum admission prices apply: $10 adult, $3 ages 5-12 and $9 ages 62 and older.
Information: (480) 924-1940, info@azcaf.org or www.azcaf.org.
RAF Cadet memorial service
When: 10:45 a.m. Nov. 13
Where: Mesa City Cemetery, 1212 N. Center St.
Details: This event remembers the 23 British Cadets who died in training accidents at No. 4 British Flying Training School (Falcon Field) during WWII and who are buried in the Mesa Cemetery. The opening ceremony will begin at 10:45 a.m. There is no charge for this event.
Information: (480) 332-6046.
