By james art 
November is National Veterans and Military Family Month, and Scottsdale will honor veterans and active-duty military members with a handful of special events and recognition, including a Veterans Day celebration, a community walk, and a flag display of the city’s local heroes.
Scottsdale Salutes Banner Program | November 1 – November 15
More than 40 banners honoring local veterans and active duty military members in Scottsdale will fly from street light poles in Old Town Scottsdale during the first two weeks of November.
City founder Winfield Scott, who served in the Union Army as a captain in the 126th New York Volunteer Infantry, is honored with a flag each year. He was wounded five times during the war, including during the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg.
Additional 2024 honorees represent many eras and branches of military service and include Air Force veteran Jim Brunner, former Scottsdale City Councilman and Maricopa County Supervisor; Austin Duell, creator of the “The Chaplain” sculpture at Scottsdale City Hall, who was one of only six US Marine Corps combat artists in Vietnam; and Ryan So, a Naval Hospital Corpsman and nine-year veteran of the Scottsdale Police Department who tragically lost his life in the line of duty in June.
Learn more about the 2024 Scottsdale Salutes award winners
The Scottsdale Salutes program was initiated by the city’s Veterans Advisory Commission as part of its mission to increase awareness and appreciation for veterans in the community.
To learn about all the local veterans featured in this year’s Scottsdale Salutes program, visit ScottsdaleAZ.gov and search for “Scottsdale salutes.”
Veterans Day Hike | November 11
Join the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy for a guided adventure at the beautiful Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve honoring our nation’s veterans.
Details
8 – 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 11
McDowell Sonora Reserve
Lost Dog Wash – 601 N 124th St.
Register for the Veterans Day Walk
A special Veterans Day ceremony will be held at the end of the march.
Veterans Day Commemoration | November 11
Scottsdale will honor those who have served in the U.S. armed forces at the city’s annual memorial service.
The Veterans Day observance will include a keynote address by John F. Regney, USAF (Ret.), who served as the 17th Chief of the United States Air Force Academy from 2005 to 2009, and patriotic music by the Auxiliary Band of coast guard.
Details
10:30 a.m. Monday, November 11
Memorial Lawn at Scottsdale City Hall – 3939 N Drinkwater Blvd.
The event is free and no registration is required
Scottsdale Honored for Efforts to Commemorate Vietnam War | November 12
The City of Scottsdale recently earned special recognition from the U.S. Department of Defense as a “Top Performer” among organizations involved in commemorating the Vietnam War in the United States. The award letter reads, “Since the inaugural celebration in 2012, your organization has faithfully represented our nation by selflessly hosting five or more events that thanked and honored our Vietnam veterans and their families. As such, the City of Scottsdale is among the top 15 percent of more than 13,000 commemorative partner organizations that have participated in this noble effort.
Members of the Scottsdale Veterans Advisory Commission will present a certificate to the Mayor and City Council honoring our Vietnam Veterans at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, November 12th.
The United States Congress established the Vietnam War Commemoration in the United States of America to mark the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War and to thank and honor Vietnam War veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice. The city is a proud member of this program.
Public monuments honoring veterans
Scottsdale honors the nation’s veterans with several public memorials throughout the city.
Each tells a unique story and reflects the city’s deep respect for those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
These public displays offer a place to pause in quiet reflection or gather in remembrance.
Learn more about the city’s monuments and memorials by visiting ScottsdaleAZ.gov and searching for “memorials.”
Resources for Veterans
Connect with resources and local organizations by visiting ScottsdaleAZ.gov and searching for “veterans.”