Staff Reports | Community Updates
Scottsdale is honoring veterans and active-duty service members throughout November with a series of events and tributes, including a Veterans Day ceremony, guided hike and a banner display recognizing those who have served in the U.S. armed forces.
Scottsdale Salutes Street Banner Display | Oct. 27 – Nov. 17
Nearly 50 banners featuring Scottsdale veterans and active military personnel will be displayed on street poles throughout Old Town Scottsdale. Among those honored is city founder Winfield Scott, a Union Army captain in the 126th New York Volunteer Infantry, who was wounded five times during the Civil War, including at the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863.
The Scottsdale Salutes program was created by the city’s Veterans Advisory Commission to raise awareness and appreciation for veterans in the community.
Army vs. Navy Polo Match Honors Local Veterans | Nov. 8
As part of National Veterans and Military Families Month, the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships will feature the first-ever Arizona matchup between Army and Navy polo teams at noon Saturday, Nov. 8, at WestWorld of Scottsdale.
To honor the local military community, decorated Vietnam veterans Mr. Frank Lambert (U.S. Army) and Mr. Denny Wisely (U.S. Navy), both Scottsdale residents, will participate in a ceremonial “first drop” to begin the match. Both are recognized through the city’s Scottsdale Salutes program.
Veterans Day Hike | Nov. 11
Join the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy for a guided hike through the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in tribute to veterans. The hike will conclude with a special ceremony.
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 11
Time: From 8 to 10:30 a.m.
Location: Lost Dog Trailhead, 601 N. 124th St.
Registration: Required
Veterans Day Commemoration | Nov. 11
Scottsdale’s annual Veterans Day Commemoration will bring the community together to honor military service. The event will feature remarks from local leaders, a keynote address by U.S. Air Force veteran Mr. Mario Valencia, and a moment of remembrance. Mr. Valencia will share his story of resilience as a survivor of the 1995 Khobar Towers bombing in Saudi Arabia.
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 11
Time: From 10:30 a.m. to noon
Location: City Hall Memorial Lawn, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd.
Admission: Free; no registration required
Remembering World War II | Nov. 11
Scottsdale historian and U.S. Air Force veteran Ms. Joan Fudala will present a photo-rich talk on Scottsdale’s contributions to World War II and the impact of WWII veterans on the city’s development.
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 11
Time: From 7 to 8 p.m.
Location: CattleTrack Arts Compound, 6105 N. CattleTrack Road
Admission: Free; seating is limited, no registration required
Explore the Scottsdale Veterans Trail
Scottsdale’s commitment to honoring military service continues with the Scottsdale Veterans Trail, an interactive online story map featuring more than a dozen local sites of tribute. Highlights include the Scottsdale Memorial for the Fallen, the Merci Train Car at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park and the
Thunderbird Field II Veterans Memorial at Scottsdale Airport.
