November is National Veterans and Military Families Month and Scottsdale will pay tribute to veterans and active military members with a handful of special events and recognition, including a Veterans Day commemoration, community hike and banner display of the city’s local heroes.
Scottsdale Salutes banner program | Nov. 1 – Nov. 15
More than 40 banners honoring Scottsdale’s local veterans and active-duty military members will fly from streetlight poles in Old Town Scottsdale for the first two weeks in November.
City founder Winfield Scott, who served in the Union Army as a captain in the 126th New York Volunteer Infantry, is honored with a banner each year. He was wounded five times during the war, including during the 1863 battle at Gettysburg.
Additional honorees in 2024 represent many eras and branches of military service, and include Air Force veteran Jim Bruner, a former Scottsdale City Councilman and Maricopa County Supervisor; Austin Deuel, creator of “The Chaplain” sculpture at Scottsdale City Hall, who was one of only six U.S. Marine Corps Combat Artists in Vietnam; and Ryan So, a Navy Hospital Corpsman and nine-year veteran of the Scottsdale Police Department who tragically lost his life in the line of duty in June.
Learn about the 2024 Scottsdale Salutes honorees
The Scottsdale Salutes program was initiated by the city’s Veterans Advisory Commission as part of its charge to elevate awareness and appreciation for veterans in the community.
To learn about all of the local veterans included in this year’s Scottsdale Salutes program, visit ScottsdaleAZ.gov and search ‘Scottsdale salutes’.
Veterans Day Hike | Nov. 11
Join the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy for a guided adventure in the beautiful Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve to honor our nation’s veterans.
Details
8 - 10:30 a.m., Monday, Nov. 11
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Lost Dog Wash Trailhead - 601 N 124th St.
Register for the Veterans Day Hike
A special ceremony will take place at the end of the hike in honor of Veterans Day.
Veterans Day Commemoration | Nov. 11
Scottsdale will honor those who have served in the U.S. armed forces at the city’s annual commemoration ceremony.
The Veterans Day Commemoration will include a keynote address from John F. Regni, USAF (Ret.), who served as the 17th Superintendent of the United States Air Force Academy from 2005 to 2009 and patriotic music from the Coast Guard Auxiliary Band.
Details
10:30 a.m., Monday, Nov. 11
Memorial Lawn at Scottsdale City Hall - 3939 N Drinkwater Blvd.
The event is free and no registration is required
Scottsdale honored for Vietnam War Commemoration efforts | Nov. 12
The city of Scottsdale recently earned special recognition from the U.S. Department of Defense as a “Top Performer” among organizations participating in the U.S. Vietnam War Commemoration. The award letter reads, “Since the inauguration commemoration in 2012, your organization has faithfully represented our Nation by selflessly hosting five or more events which thanked and honored our Vietnam veterans and their families. As such, the city of Scottsdale is among the top 15 percent of the more than 13,000 commemorative partner organizations that have participated in this noble effort.”
Members of the Scottsdale Veterans Advisory Commission will present the certificate to the Mayor and City Council in honor of our Vietnam veterans at the Tuesday, Nov. 12, City Council meeting.
The United States Congress established the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War and to thank and honor veterans of the Vietnam War and their families for their service and sacrifice. The city is a proud member of this program.
Public memorials honoring veterans
Scottsdale honors the nation’s veterans with several public memorials throughout the city.
Each tells a unique story and reflects the city's deep respect for those who have served in the U.S. armed forces.
These public displays offer a place to pause in quiet reflection or gather in memory.
Learn more about the city's memorials and commemorations by visiting ScottsdaleAZ.gov and searching ‘memorials’.
Veteran Resources
Get connected with resources and local organizations by visiting ScottsdaleAZ.gov and searching ‘veterans’.