City of Tempe, AZ
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Calendar of
Events and Annual Commemorations
Tempe Veterans Commission - Meets monthly
The Tempe Veterans Commission advises the Mayor and City Council and assists city departments on veterans issues. The commission typically meets the first Tuesday of the month, 6 p.m. at the Tempe Public Library, 3500 S. Rural Rd.
Please click here to confirm date, time and agenda.
APRIL
Pat’s Run
Every April, the Pat Tillman Foundation celebrates Pat Tillman’s legacy with Pat’s Run. The 4.2-mile Run/Walk through Tempe helps fund scholarships that go the military veterans and their spouses. For more information, go to the Pat Tillman Foundation.
Statewide Symposium in Support of Service Members, Veterans & Their Families
Each April, the Arizona Coalition for Military Families hosts a symposium featuring programming and tracks, networking, an exhibitor fair and continuing education units. For more information, go to ACMF Symposium
MAY
Community Salutes
Tempe holds an annual ceremony to recognize the high school seniors and other community members who will be joining the military. For more information, go to City of Tempe Community Salutes.
Veterans Honor Stole Ceremony
The Veterans Chapter of the Arizona State University Alumni Association hosts a reception to congratulate graduating veterans graduating and to present them with a signature ASU Veteran Stole printed with a military service seal. For more information, go to Veterans Honor Stole Ceremony
Memorial Day
Held on the last Monday in May, Memorial Day commemorates the men and women who died in service to the United States. Originally known as Decoration Day because of the tradition of decorating Civil War soldiers' graves.
JUNE
United States Army Birthday – On June 14, 1775, the Congress created the American continental Army on June 14, 1775. For more information go to Center of Military History – United States Army
Flag Day – On June 14, 1777, the United States flag was officially adopted by the Continental Congress.
JULY
Independence Day
On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. Tempe celebrates the birth of the United States on the Fourth of July with fireworks and a festival.
AUGUST
United States Coast Guard Birthday
The United States Coast Guard began on August 4, 1790 as the Revenue Marine. The Continental Congress created the service with the original intent to collect customs duties at seaports. For more information, go to the United States Coast Guard.
SEPTEMBER
Healing Field
Every year September 8 -12, the Tempe Exchange Club creates an inspiring formation of U.S. flags to remember and honor the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack. All visitors are invited to walk through the ordered rows of flags posted at the site. For more information, go to City of Tempe Healing Field.
United States Air Force Birthday
September 18 recognizes the establishment in 1947 of the United States Air Force as an independent department from the United States Army Air Forces. For more information, go to the U.S. Air Force.
OCTOBER
United States Navy Birthday
October 13, 1775 marks the origin of the United States Navy. For more information, go to America’s Navy.
NOVEMBER
United States Marine Corps Birthday
November 10 commemorates the 1775 establishment of a marine corps to aid in the Revolutionary War. For more information go to the U.S. Marine Corps.
Tempe Veterans’ Day Parade
The annual Veterans’ Day Parade celebrates the effort and contributions by military personnel. For more information, go to Tempe Veterans Day Parade.
Salute to Service
Salute to Service is Arizona State University’s annual tradition to pay homage to the nation’s veterans through special recognition and service-themed events organized by ASU’s Alumni Association and the Pat Tillman Veterans Center. For more information, go to ASU Salute to Service
Veterans Day
Originally a day to remember the November 11, 1918 Armistice which ended World War I, since 1954 Veterans Day recognizes all United States military veterans.
DECEMBER
National Guard of the United States Birthday
The National Guard was founded on December 13, 1636 as a citizen force organized to protect families and towns from hostile attacks. For more information, go to the National Guard.
Veterans Honor Stole Ceremony
The Veterans Chapter of the Arizona State University Alumni Association hosts a reception to congratulate graduating veterans and to present them with a signature ASU Veteran Stole printed with a military service seal. For more information, go to Arizona State University Veterans Honor Stole Ceremony