The public is invited to honor, salute and support veterans and their families at the Anthem Veterans Memorial Annual celebration and ceremony.

The annual event includes music and videos, charity assistance and more. The morning culminates with the sun’s rays passing through the five military branch pillars to form a perfect spotlight on The Great Seal of the United States.

Pre-ceremony activities:

Breakfast. 8:15-10 a.m. Tennessee Grill, owned by Ryan Ladiser (USMC veteran), will sell light breakfast food and beverages prior to the start of the ceremony.

Sound and screen. 9–10 a.m. Music and videos on LED screens while supporting Vietnam War era veterans.

Vietnam War era and surviving spouse pinning. 9:15-9:45 a.m. In partnership with the U.S. Vietnam War Commemoration and Daisy Mountain Veterans, Vietnam War era veterans’ surviving spouses are invited to be awarded the 50th Anniversary Commemorative Vietnam War pin.

Charitable efforts. Youth For Troops tent. 8:15–10 a.m. South Lawn. Help decorate cards and boxes to send to troops overseas. Assist Youth for Troops efforts to provide 800 holiday care packages for troops stationed overseas by donating small new puzzle and sudoku books, card games, full-size holiday cards, candy canes, lip balm. Help Daisy Mountain Veterans to provide holiday meals, stocking stuffers and presents for local children/families in need. Donate items for all ages. Especially needed are stocking stuffers for teen girls and boys. Email Holidays@daisymtnvets.org for item list.

Ceremony highlights -  10-11:15 a.m. on north/south lawns:

Special tributes given to the United States Coast Guard, the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, the 70th anniversary of the armistice of the Korean War, and 50th anniversary of US Naval Women Aviators.

The keynote address will be delivered by CWO Michael Tapp (USCG, Ret.) who served the Coast Guard for 27 years.

Solar Spotlight. At exactly 11:11 a.m., the sun’s rays will pass through the ellipses (circles) in each of the military branch pillars to cast a perfect solar spotlight on a glass mosaic of The Great Seal of the United States, surrounded by 5,400 veteran commemorative pavers in the newly expanded Circle of Honor.

Presentations. Live music by the Musical Theatre of Anthem Outreach Group. Photomontages by the students of Boulder Creek High School TV Media Production, under teacher Christy Johnson (U.S. Army veteran), will accompany the music. Videos from U.S. Vietnam War Commemoration. Additional music provided by Ralph McTell, Jimmy Flynn, Texas Tenors, and music/video by Buddy Brown.

Dedication of DAR marker. The dedication of the Daughters of the American Revolution America 250 Patriots Marker into the Anthem Veterans Memorial will take place during the ceremony. Dedicating the marker will be Sarah Ziker, state vice regent, Arizona State Society Daughters of the American Revolution.

Seating. ADA seating sections. Seating limited. Guests encouraged to bring lawn blankets and chairs.

Parking. The parking lot adjacent to the AVM is restricted for ADA credentialed parking and security. Only ADA drop off permitted when lot full. Parking available off Anthem Way, soccer field parking south of AVM off Gavilan Peak, and the Community Center off Freedom Way.

Sponsors: Funded in part by the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services as made available through the Arizona Veterans Donation Fund and Dr. Anthony and Mrs. Shannon Gleckler.

Volunteers/sponsors: Those who would like to volunteer their time and talents, become a sponsor, or donate to the event, contact Elizabeth Turner at ElizabethTurnerUS@yahoo.com or 623-640-8417.