On Memorial Day there are several events in the Phoenix area where you can take some time to honor our country's fallen veterans.
Avondale Sunset Memorial Day Service
The City of Avondale, American Legion Crandall Palmer Post 61, VFW Pat Tillman Memorial Post 40, Scottish American Military Society, and the Blue Star Moms of the Southwest Valley present a program featuring posting of the Colors, TAPS, a solemn POW/MIA table ceremony, and a candle lighting remembrance. Guest speakers. A wreath honors the memory of fallen members of the Armed Forces on flag-lined path featuring bricks engraved with names of veterans and flags representing each of the six branches of the Military. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Avondale Civic Center 11465 W. Civic Center Drive, at the outdoor amphitheater. Call 623-333-2400 for more information. Free.In 2011: Monday, May 30 from 7 to 8 p.m.
A Symphonic National Tribute
Salute to America and to our Armed Forces. Tickets start at $33. Symphony Hall.In 2011: Thursday, May 26 at 7:30 p.m.
Boogie Woogie Pops 1930's & 1940's: Music of the Greatest Generation
Celebrate Memorial Day with the Phoenix Symphony in a concert like the 1940s USO tours with music of the Greatest Generation from Duke Ellington to George Gershwin and more. Come early for live swing dancing by the Savoy Hop Cats. Active military and veterans are encouraged to dress in uniform for the concert. Symphony Hall. Tickets start at $18.In 2011: Friday, May 27 and Saturday, May 28 at 8 p.m.
Memorial Day Celebration
The Arizona Academy of the Performing Arts hosts the Memorial Day Celebration at the Pera Club, 1 E. Continental Dr., Tempe. This annual event recognizes the memory of our war heroes through a spectrum of family events including food, games, entertainment, and raffles. The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps will debut their 2011 music.In 2011: Monday, May 30 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Surprise Memorial Day Parade and Pancake Breakfast
The parade features floats and marching units from clubs, organizations, groups, as residents honor veterans and active military personnel who have and are protecting our great country. Surprise Recreation Campus. Free. Pancake Breakfast starting at 6:30 a.m. costs $3 per person. Call for information 623-222-2000. In 2011: Saturday, May 28 at 8:30 a.m.Memorial Day Bike Rally
Riders USA pays tribute to our fallen at Phoenix National Cemetery, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix. Flag Display & Salute to arrivals at 6:30 a.m. Ride into the Cemetery at 7:45 a.m. Official Ceremony at 8 a.m. inside cemetery. The flag display and salute along with the official Ceremony are free. For $10 donation you can sponsor a flag. Register online. In 2011: Monday, May 30 from 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.Arizona State University’s Symphonic Carillon
The Symphonic Carillon is a lasting tribute to those in the ASU community who gave their lives for their country. Join us as we read their names. Our carillonneurs will play patriotic music. ASU, in front of the Memorial Union, Tempe campus.In 2011: Tuesday, May 31 from noon to 1 p.m.
Memorial Day at The Wigwam
The public and rt guests alike are invited to join Blue Star Moms at The Wigwam Farmer’s Market from as they make “Star Spangled Care Packages” for the troops. Members of Luke Air Force Base will entertain with interactive military demonstrations including bomb squad robots, a military humvee and fighter pilot meet and greets from 9-11 a.m. On Memorial Day (Monday) The Wigwam will participate in the nationwide “National Moment of Remembrance” and host a moment of silence at 3 p.m. to remember and respect our country’s fallen soldiers. In 2011: Sunday, May 29 from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.Memorial Day Weekend Fireworks Show & BBQ at Wet 'n' Wild
In addition to our slides and attractions the Wte 'n' Wild will display fireworks beginning at 9:30 p.m. and host an all-you-can-eat BBQ from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.. The BBQ will include grilled BBQ chicken & hot dogs, green salad, western style beans, corn-on-the-cob, sliced watermelon and beverages. The firework shows are free with park admission. BBQ meal tickets are $9.99 plus tax for all Gold Season Pass and Season Pass holders; $9.99 plus tax for ages 3-11; and $11.99 ages 12+. More about Wet 'n' Wild. Limited seating is available. You may purchase meal tickets in advance. A limited number of tickets will be available day-of the event. Map and directions to Wet 'n' Wild in northwest Phoenix.In 2011: Saturday and Sunday, May 28 and 29
Bob’s Big Burger at Renegade Canteen
With National Burger Day on Saturday May 28th and Memorial Day Weekend kicking off on the same Saturday, we have two reasons to celebrate burgers. Bob’s Big Burger is 12oz of corn fed, Nebraska beef piled high with cheddar cheese, poblano green chile, onion, tomato, and romaine lettuce all held together by a soft Challah bun. This burger monstrosity can be in the clutch of your hands (if you can manage to hold the darn thing) for only $5, dine-in customers only, $5 split charge. Scottsdale. read my review of Renegade Canteen. In 2011: Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, 29 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.Memorial Day Feast
Café 24/7 restaurant at Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino will have a Half Slab of BBQ Ribs ($11.95) or Half BBQ Chicken ($8.95). All dinners include baked potato, corn on the cob, and cole slaw.In 2011: May 28, 29, & 30 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
