By james art 
By Steve Stockmar | Sun Life Magazine
Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Sun Life Magazine, a daily independent publication.
*
Several fun runs and a parade are among the ways to celebrate Veterans Day around the West Valley this month.
The 12th annual AZ Veterans Run, open to both competitive and casual runners, returns to the Peoria Sports Complex, at 16101 N 83rd Ave., on Sunday, Nov. 10. This year will include a half marathon, 10K, 5K and 1-mile distances.
Race day registration will be available from 6:30am. A portion of the proceeds benefit Team Red, White and Blue, which supports veterans through physical and social activity. Email [email protected] for more information.
SUN CITY
The Sun Bowl Auditorium, at 10220 N. 107th Ave., will host the Sun City Concert Band’s “Lest We Forget” program at 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 3.
Entrance free.
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 United States Marine Corps and commemorate Veterans Day. Residents can join at 8:15 a.m. on the front lawn of City Hall, Blvd. 214 W. Wigwam.
Light refreshments will be served after the ceremony.
GLENDALE
The Glendale Military & Veterans Chamber of Commerce will host the 4th Annual Military Appreciation Ceremony. Begins at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6 at Credit Union West Corporate Center, 10150 W. Desert River Blvd.
A light breakfast will be provided. Cost is $25 per person.
GOODYEAR
A Veterans Day Tribute will be held from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Monday, November 11, at Civic Square Park, 1900 N. Civic Square, in Goodyear.
The event will feature a patriotic concert, children’s activities, murals, food trucks and more.
SURPRISE
The 10th annual City of Surprise Veterans Day Parade begins at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11 at the Surprise Recreation Campus, 15960 N. Bullard Ave. The parade will feature community groups, bands, dancers and more.
From 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., a pancake breakfast served by the Surprise Police Department will be available for purchase.
BAKAI
Expect a veteran dedication ceremony starting at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 9 at Sundance Park, 22865 Lower Buckeye Road.
Vendor booths and support services will be available, and guests can walk around the lake to remember those who have served.
AVONDALE
The 11th annual Veterans Day 5k Fun Run/Walk and Ceremony begins with 9 a.m. registration on Monday, Nov. 11, at Estrella Mountain Community College.
The Avondale Police and Fire Departments will be on hand to provide interactive activities for all guests. Local gyms will host four exercise stations during the 5K run.
Visit estrellamountain.edu/vetfunrun to purchase 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 to continuing or completing their education.