Despite what other parts of the country may think about how Arizona treats its veterans, the fact remains that the people of this state honor, respect and admire all those who served our nation in its Armed Forces.

Several events are taking place on Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11, to show the community’s love and support of those who have served, or continue to serve, in the nation’s military.

Phoenix Veterans Day Parade

The parade began in 1997 and has grown from 50 entries to more than 100 entries and tens of thousands of spectators. Sponsored by Honoring Arizona’s Veterans (HAV), the parade is designed to help commemorate and honor the nation’s veterans and to educate Americans about the service and sacrifices veterans have made to protect our freedoms. This year there is a special emphasis on World War II veterans.

The parade begin at 11 a.m. at North Phoenix Baptist Church, at Central just south of Bethany Home Road, and heads south on Central before turning east on Camelback Road, then south on 7th Street, ending at Steele Indian School Park.

The Phoenix Veterans Day Parade theme for 2014 is “Duty, Honor, Sacrifice: Celebrating Our World War II Veterans.” The Phoenix Veterans Day Parade will mark the 70th anniversary of the Invasion of Normandy with a flyover by World War II Biplanes flown by Fred Gorrell and his Thunder Flying Group.

“We feel it is so important to recognize our World War II veterans this year as we know they are aging and our hope is to give them another joyous event in their lifetime through our parade,” says Katherine Brooks, President of Honoring Arizona’s Veterans (HAV).

‘Red, White and You’ Concert

“Red White and You,” a concert honoring United States veterans, takes place at 7 p.m. at Valley Presbyterian Church, 6947 E. McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley. The concert will open with the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets Corp presenting the colors and then feature the Valley Presbyterian Chancel Choir, the Carolyn Eynon Singers and a history of some of the world’s most famous patriotic songs.

The show is sure to stir the spirit with powerful patriotic performances, a dance piece and songs from famous Broadway shows such as “The Civil War” and “1776” and other favorites including “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Admission is free. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. For more information http://myvalleychurch.org or call 480-991-6424, ext. 165.

Sunset Tribute

The Heard Museum hosts its 3rd annual Veterans Day Observance – a sunset tribute, 5 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the American Indian Veterans National Memorial on the grounds of the Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave.
The ceremony is free and open to the public. The program includes:
· Aaron White (Navajo/Ute), flutist, will perform the national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner
· Thunder Springs drum group
· American Legion Ira Hayes Post 84 color guard from Sacaton, Ariz.
· Maj. Urban Giff, U.S.M.C. (ret.) (Akimel O’odham Pima) and Lynn Mitchell, M.D., of the Phoenix VA Hospital
· James Pepper Henry (Kaw/Muscogee Creek), director and CEO, Heard Museum
Also On Tuesday, Nov. 11, U.S. military veterans and active-duty personnel, as well as their families, will be admitted free to the museum. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 602-252-8848 or visit www.heard.org.

Veterans Day Gourd Dance

Join Pueblo Grande Museum for the 16th Annual Veterans Day Gourd Dance, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This annual event held at the museum, 4619 E. Washington St., honors the memory of all the men and women who have served our nation.

Gourd Dancing starts at 11:30 a.m. and is conducted by the Arizona Territorial Gourd Society. Bring your favorite potluck dish to share during the break between dances.

This event is free and open to the public. Museum admission is also free in honor of the Veteran’s Day holiday. For more information visit www.pueblogrande.com or call 602-495-0901.

Veterans Day Program

Phoenix Christian Preparatory School, 1751 W. Indian School Road, will host a Veteran’s Day program on Friday, Nov. 7 at 9:20 a.m. in the school gym. The band, choir, chorale and drama departments will all do presentations honoring veterans and there will be an interview of an alumnae who is a veteran. The public is welcome to attend. For more information about the school, visit www.phoenixchristian.org.

Deals and Discounts

Cost Plus World Market is offering 20 percent off your entire purchase (excluding alcohol) for active duty, DOD, reserves, Guard, retirees, veterans and military spouses, from Nov. 8-11. Valid ID required; good for in-store purchase only.

Luci’s Healthy Marketplace is a unique café, coffee bar and marketplace. This Veterans Day Luci’s is showing its support to veterans by offering them 20% off their meal on Tuesday, Nov. 11. This is for all active and retired military vets who show proper ID. Luci’s Healthy Marketplace is located at 1590 E. Bethany Home Road. Featuring quality organic and natural products from reputable local and regional vendors, including meats, seafood, dairy, cheeses, snacks, entrees, wine and beer, supplements, cosmetics, baby care, pet care, cleaning, gifts and more. A wide variety of freshly-cooked meals are available throughout the day. For more information, visit http://www.lucishealthymarketplace.com.

Freebies for Vets

Clean Air Cab offers free rides to veterans on Tuesday, Nov. 11. This is the 4th year the eco-friendly cab company has provided the discount to military personnel. Veterans must have a valid military ID card or documents from the Department of Veterans Affairs to participate. For more information, call Clean Air Cab at 480-777-9777.

• Locally owned fast casual pizza and salad concept Fired Pie is saying thank you to those who are currently serving or have served our country. On Nov. 11, all active or retired military will receive a free salad or pizza at any Fired Pie location, including Park Central Mall, 3110 N. Central Ave. This offer is limited to one pizza or salad per person, with proper military ID. There is no purchase necessary.

• On Veterans Day, veterans and active duty military can choose a dish from the FREE Thank You Meal menu at Applebee’s that includes some the eatery’s signature and favorite items, including house sirloin steak; hamburger; shrimp; chicken penne; chicken tenders; and Oriental chicken salad. Guests will need to provide proof of service. Offer is valid for dine-in only. Traditional sides are included with free entrees; beverages, desserts and gratuity are not included. Applebee’s Thank You Meals will be offered during normal business hours on Nov. 11. Visit www.applebees.com for more information.

• The tacos and tequila gastropub, Taco Guild, located at 546 E. Osborn Road, celebrates our country’s veterans. To honor and nourish our nation’s heroes, Taco Guild will be giving away a free taco to any active duty or retired military on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The process is simple: Veterans, who present their military ID, have earned a free taco with any purchase. The choice is theirs – pair it with a smooth tequila, a cold local beer, or additional taco flavors from an extensive and eclectic menu. The happy hour favorite, Taco of the Day, is also available for the free-with-purchase offer for veterans.

• This Veterans Day Twin Peaks, the ultimate sports lodge known for its rugged man-cave atmosphere, would like to thank former and current members of the U.S. Armed Forces for their service, patriotism and selflessness. On Nov. 11, Twin Peaks will show its appreciation by giving away 2015 Twin Peaks calendars, packed with over $160 worth of coupons. The first 100 servicemen and women who arrive at each Twin Peaks location across the country will receive a free 2015 Twin Peaks calendar. All Twin Peaks locations and phone numbers can be found at www.twinpeaksrestaurant.com/locations/. Offer is good for servicemen and women only. Guests should show valid credentials or military identification to receive a complimentary calendar.

Olive Garden restaurants will offer a free entrée on Nov. 11 from a special menu to active-duty military and military veterans with proof of military service. The special menu features seven of Olive Garden’s most popular items, including Smoked Chicken Mozzarella, Chicken Parmigiana, Cheese Ravioli, Garlic Rosemary Chicken (photo attached), Penne Primavera and Spaghetti with Meat Sauce. The entrée is served with unlimited homemade soup or garden fresh salad and warm, garlic breadsticks.

LongHorn Steakhouse locations will offer a free Texas Tonion and non-alcoholic beverage of choice to active-duty military and military veterans with proof of military service on Nov. 11.

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