Veterans Day 2023: Where to see the Phoenix parade, plus other events honoring veterans
Veterans Day 2023 is almost here and U.S. military members will be celebrated and recognized for their service and sacrifices. There will be parades, community events and special performances throughout metro Phoenix on and around Nov. 11.
Veterans Day falls on a Saturday this year, but observances will take place beginning Sunday, Nov. 5.
There will be parades in Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa and Surprise. Ceremonies to honor veterans and active military members will take place at the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, Gilbert Regional Park and the Sun Bowl Amphitheater in Sun City.
Veterans Day 2023: Find free meals, discounts and deals at these metro Phoenix restaurants
When is Veterans Day?
Veterans Day is observed on Nov. 11. It recognizes the armistice during World War I between Germany and the Allies, which took effect on the 11th hour — Paris time — of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11, 1919, as the first commemoration of Armistice Day.
When Congress passed an act in 1938, Nov. 11 became a holiday dedicated to Armistice Day and WWI veterans.
“In 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the nation’s history, after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word ‘Armistice’ and inserting in its place the word ‘veterans,’” reads the VA’s website on the history of Veterans Day.
Now, Veterans Day is “a celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.”
What is the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?
Memorial Day and Veterans Day both recognize those who have served in the U.S military.
Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday of May each year. It’s a day to honor U.S. military members who died on active duty. Veterans Day encompasses all service members.
Is Veterans Day a federal holiday?
Veterans Day is a federal holiday. Mail is not delivered; courts and nonessential federal and city offices are closed; banks and public schools are typically closed. Some public transportation options may be affected as well.
Veterans Day 2023 events in metro Phoenix
Sun City Veterans Day Tribute
The annual Sun City Veterans Day Tribute will feature the Ahwatukee Foothills Concert Band and Youth Chorus. The event is for Recreation Centers of Sun City members, cardholders and escorted guests. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket.
Details: 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5. Sun Bowl Amphitheater, 10220 N. 107th Ave., Sun City. Free. suncityaz.org.
Gilbert Veterans Day Ceremony
The 19th annual Veterans Day Ceremony will take place at Gilbert Regional Park with a classic and custom car show, guest speakers, musical performances and more. Lawn seating will be available and guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or a lawn chair. Food trucks will be on site.
Details: 3-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9. Gilbert Regional Park, 3005 E. Queen Creek Road, Gilbert. Free. gilbertaz.com.
Big band concert at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
The Jazz Ambassadors is the official touring big band of the U.S. Army that formed in 1969. The 19-member ensemble plays big band swing to bebop, Latin, contemporary jazz and more. They'll be playing a concert in advance of Veterans Day in Scottsdale.
Details: 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St. Free. scottsdaleperformingarts.org.
Surprise Veterans Day Parade
The ninth annual Surprise Veterans Day Parade will honor service men and women. The Surprise Police Department will serve a pancake breakfast from 7:30-9:30 a.m. at Surprise Stadium and the parade will kick off at 10 a.m.
Details: 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. Surprise Recreation Campus, 15960 N. Bullard Ave. Parade is free; pancake breakfast costs $7. surpriseaz.gov.
Fountain Hills Veterans Day Ceremony
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7507 will host a Veterans Day ceremony at the Fountain Hills Veterans Memorial. It's a joint effort of the Veterans Service Organizations in Fountain Hills, the American Legion Post 58, Marine Corps League Detachment 1439 and VFW Post 7507.
Veterans Heritage Program's Storyteller of the Year Frank Lambert will be the keynote speaker. Lambert served as company commander of Company D, 1st Cavalry Division, in Vietnam from 1967-1968. He was awarded the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Silver Star, the Soldier's Medal, three Bronze Stars with Valor and two Purple Hearts.
Details: 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. Fountain Hills Veterans Memorial at Fountain Park, 7166 E. El Lago Blvd. Free.
Veterans Day Tribute at The Heard Museum
The Heard Museum opened the nation's first memorial to commemorate more than three centuries of American Indian military service in 2012. This year will mark the 11th celebration of the American Indian Veteran National Memorial with live music, veteran artists, films, Native dances, exhibitions and more.
Details: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. Free. heard.org.
Anthem Veterans Day Ceremony
The Anthem Veterans Day Ceremony will honor the service of all veterans and their families. The ceremony will end at 11:11 a.m. in honor of Armistice with the sun's rays shining through the Anthem Veterans Memorial's five military branch pillars onto the Great Seal of the United States.
Details: 10 a.m.-11:15 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. Veterans Memorial, 41703 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway, Anthem. Free. onlineatanthem.com.
Tempe Veterans Day Parade
The annual Tempe Veterans Day Parade will begin at ASU Gammage and make its way north on Mill Avenue before ending at Tempe Beach Park. Participants will include Tempe City Council members, Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, local school marching bands, veterans groups and more.
Details: 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. ASU Gammage, at 12th Street and Mill Avenue, Tempe. Free. downtowntempe.com.
Phoenix Veterans Day Parade
The Phoenix Veterans Day Parade began in 1997 to honor the contributions of U.S. veterans and build a patriotic community spirit. Among the eight Arizona veterans named as grand marshals is Thomas Begay, a Navajo Code Talker in World War II. The celebrity grand marshal is Kim Alexis, a supermodel in the 1980s.
The parade will head south on Central Avenue from Montebello Drive to Camelback Road, turning east on Camelback Road to Seventh Street, then south on Seventh Street and ending at Indian School Road.
Details: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. Free. honoringamericasveterans.org.
East Valley Veterans Parade
The East Valley Veterans Parade provides an opportunity for the community to honor local military members and their families. The theme is "Vietnam Valor" to recognize the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.
The parade begins at Center Street and University Drive and runs south on Center Street to First Street, where it will turn west and continue to Robson.
Details: 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11. Center Street and University Drive, Mesa. Free. evvp.org.
More Local Events: A cheeky pants-off light rail ride is coming back to Phoenix. How to join in (or miss it)
Meredith G. White is the entertainment reporter for The Arizona Republic | azcentral.com. You can find her on Facebook as Meredith G. White, on Instagram and Twitter as @meredithgwhite, and email her at meredith.white@arizonarepublic.com.
Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Veterans Day 2023: Parades and ceremonies in Phoenix
