Editor's note: This article first appeared in Sun Life Magazine, a Daily Independent publication.

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A couple of fun runs and a parade are among the ways to mark Veterans Day around the West Valley this month.

The 12th annual AZ Veterans Day Run open to competitive and casual runners alike makes its return to the Peoria Sports Complex, at 16101 N 83rd Ave., on Sunday, Nov. 10. This year will feature a half marathon, 10K, 5K and 1-mile distances.

Race day registration will be available beginning at 6:30 a.m. A portion of the proceeds benefit Team Red, White and Blue, which supports veterans through physical and social activity. Email info@startlineracing.com for more information.

SUN CITY

The Sun Bowl auditorium, at 10220 N. 107th Ave., will host the Sun City Concert Band’s program “Lest We Forget” at 2 p.m. Sunday Nov. 3.

Free admission.

LITCHFIELD PARK

In the Southwest Valley, the city of Litchfield Park will host a flag raising ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 7 to celebrate the 249th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps and to commemorate Veterans Day. Residents can join in at 8:15 a.m. on the front lawn of city hall, 214 W. Wigwam Blvd.

Light refreshments will be served after the ceremony.

GLENDALE

The Glendale Chamber of Commerce Military & Veterans Affairs will host the 4th annual Military Appreciation Ceremony. It starts at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6 at the Credit Union West Corporate Center, 10150 W. Desert River Blvd.

Light breakfast will be provided. Cost is $25 per person.

GOODYEAR

A Veterans Day tribute will go from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11 at Civic Square Park, 1900 N. Civic Square, in Goodyear.

The event will feature a patriotic concert, kids' activities, murals, food trucks, and more.

SURPRISE

The 10th annual city of Surprise Veterans Day Parade starts at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11 at the Surprise Recreation Campus, 15960 N. Bullard Ave. The parade will feature community floats, bands, dancers and more.

A pancake breakfast, served by the Surprise Police Department, will be available for purchase from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.

BUCKEYE

Look for a veterans dedication ceremony starting at 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 at Sundance Park, 22865 Lower Buckeye Road.

Vendor booths and support services will be on hand, and guests can take a walk around the lake to remember those who have served.

AVONDALE

The West Valley’s 11th annual Veterans Day 5k Fun Run/Walk and Ceremony starts with 9 a.m. registration on Monday, Nov. 11, at Estrella Mountain Community College.

Avondale police and fire departments will be on site to provide interactive activities for all guests. Local gyms will be hosting four exercise stations during the 5K run.

Visit estrellamountain.edu/vetfunrun to buy tickets. Proceeds benefit the Dr. Ernest Lara–EMCC Veterans Scholarship Fund, which is designed to assist veterans at Estrella Mountain Community College who may face financial barriers in pursuing or completing their education.

A portion of the proceeds from the AZ Veterans Day Run in Peoria benefit Team Red, White and Blue, which supports veterans through physical and social activity.

(Photo by StartLine Racing)