Tempe, AZ - Every year, hundreds of Tempeans make the important decision to serve our country in the armed forces. This year, the City of Tempe will celebrate dozens of those young people at the 10th Annual Tempe Community Salutes on Monday, May 6, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Tempe Center for the Arts. The special hometown send-off celebration is free and open to the public.

Recruits represent graduating Tempe Union High School District seniors and other community members. They will receive a commemorative “First to Say Thank You” challenge coin and a special graduation stole embroidered with their respective military service branch.

“As both a Councilmember and a school board member, I have watched this group of students excel as they have matured into young adults, ready to serve our great nation. I’m excited to congratulate and honor them at Tempe Community Salutes,” said Berdetta Hodge, Councilmember and Tempe Union High School District Governing Board Member.

Speakers will include Councilmember Hodge and Tempe Union High School District Assistant Superintendent Sean McDonald. U.S. Senator Mark Kelly will provide a video greeting. The TUHSD JROTC will present the colors.

The exciting East Valley Harmonizers Barbershop Chorus will perform throughout the evening. Light refreshments will be served.  

Tempe Community Salutes is proudly sponsored by Amazon, WM, Sender, Sundt Construction and Gammage & Burnham. Since 2015, hundreds of military-bound Tempeans have taken part in the ceremony, an initiative that was started by veteran and former Councilmember Robin Arredondo-Savage.

For more information about Community Salutes, visit tempe.gov/Community Salutes.

###

Media contact: Savannah Harrelson
savannah_harrelson@tempe.gov
480-435-5999