Photos Courtesy of the Anthem Community Council
The 11th annual Veterans Day celebration honors, salutes, and supports local veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.
Held on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, this year’s event includes several fresh elements.
The program begins at 9:30 a.m. with a free patriotic music concert by ProMusica AZ Chorale and Orchestra. During the music, Vietnam War veterans will be honored with an official pinning ceremony in front of the stage where all Vietnam Veterans are invited to receive their 50th Anniversary Commemorative Vietnam War pin.
The keynote address will be given by Colonel Thomas H. Kirk, Jr. (USAF, retired). A Korean War, NATO, and Vietnam War combat pilot, Kirk was held for six years as a Vietnam War Prisoner of War.
He’ll provide his incredible story of heroism, which serves as inspiration for all.
The ceremony is sponsored and supported by: Arizona Veterans’ Services, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Albertsons- Safeway, Vons-Southwest Division, Associated Asset Management, Anthem Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Anthony and Mrs. Shannon Gleckler, Chris Gaynor and Paul Chen, Lt. Colonel Ray, and Mrs. Dale Norris
Held at the Anthem Veterans Memorial (AVM), located at 41703 N. Gavilan Peak Pkwy., the award-winning memorial envisioned by the Anthem Community Council was dedicated on Nov. 11, 2011, and received Arizona Historic Landmark status six months later. The Anthem Veterans Memorial (AVM), located in the community park, is a monument dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of our country’s armed forces. It’s a place of honor and reflection for veterans, their families, and friends, and is a place to show respect to those service men and women who have and continue to courageously serve our country.
To learn more about this year’s event, visit onlineatanthem.com/visitors/veterans_memorial.
