Every year on Veterans Day, communities across the country pause to honor the men and women who have served in the armed forces. In Tempe, AZ, this national observance becomes a local tradition, with parade floats, marching bands, scouts, and families coming together in a heartfelt salute. This year, on Veterans Day, the city comes together to reflect on service, sacrifice, and community.
From flag-raising ceremonies to veteran spotlights and school-led activities, Tempe’s observance offers more than a moment—it fosters connection. Whether you have family in the service, are part of a youth organization, or wish to join in the commemoration, the events of November 11th in Tempe provide an inspiring way to show gratitude and build community spirit.
Parades and Ceremonies
The heart of the day begins with the long-standing parade in Downtown Tempe. The annual Veterans Day Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. at the Arizona State University Gammage Auditorium (1200 S Forest Ave). It proceeds north on Mill Avenue to conclude at Tempe Beach Park at Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway.
This procession features veterans groups, city officials, marching bands, scout troops, and community volunteers. Participants hand out thousands of small flags to children and veterans along the route. Following the parade, attendees may gather for flag-ceremonies, moments of silence, and remarks by community leaders, all centered on remembering service and supporting those who serve.
Saluting Local Heroes
In Tempe, honoring veterans isn’t just a one-day event—it’s embedded in community programs. The Military Tribute Banner Program allows businesses or individuals to sponsor banners that honor local service members; these banners are displayed on lamp posts in Downtown Tempe before and after Veterans Day as a visible tribute.
Additionally, institutions like ASU hold ceremonies to recognize veterans and veteran students for their service and achievements. These stories of local veterans bring the meaning of Veterans Day into focus—every banner, every medal, every student engaged helps personalize the broader history of service and the ongoing contributions of veterans right in the Tempe community.
Schools, Scouts, and Youth Participation
Youth participation is a vibrant component of the events in Tempe. Local schools and scout troops are invited to join the parade, present flags, march in formations, or support service-oriented projects leading up to November 11th.
Marching bands add a musical tribute, while Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops may serve as flag bearers, hand out small flags along the route, or participate in pre-parade ceremonies. These roles give young people the chance not only to observe the holiday, but to actively engage—learning respect, community service, and the legacy of those who served. Schools may also host guest speakers or remembrances in the days prior, further embedding the day’s significance into the curriculum and community awareness.
Planning Your Visit
If you’re attending in Tempe, consider arriving early to secure viewing along Mill Avenue and at Tempe Beach Park. The parade begins at 10 a.m. on November 11, 2025, at ASU Gammage and moves north through downtown.
Parking may fill quickly; using public transit or rideshare is recommended. Scouts, bands, and veterans often line up near Mill & 12th Street to take part. Remember to bring a small U.S. flag if you wish, although the parade provides many for children and veterans along the route. Volunteers typically distribute flags, so arriving early ensures you get one. After the parade, stick around for the post-ceremony gathering at Tempe Beach Park, where speeches, veteran acknowledgments, and community reflections round out the morning’s events.
Engaging With the Community Beyond the Parade
The observance in Tempe extends beyond the main parade and ceremony. For example, the banner program mentioned earlier displays veteran-honoring banners downtown, celebrating veterans not just on one day but through a visual presence in the community.
Local charities also tie into the day, with fundraising events or service fairs aimed at veterans’ support and community engagement. While not specific to the parade, these programs give residents additional ways to participate—whether by volunteering, sponsoring a banner, or attending veteran-themed presentations. All of these efforts contribute to a broader culture of respect and remembrance that shows the lasting value of Veterans Day in Tempe.
Veterans Day in Tempe stands as a powerful example of what community observance can look like when inclusive, dynamic, and heartfelt. On November 11th, residents of all ages come together—scouts and bands, veterans and families, supporters and neighbors—to create an environment of gratitude and remembrance. The parade, ceremony, and youth-led participation remind us that honoring service is not simply historical, but a living, generational act of respect.
For those in Tempe, attending the event means joining a tradition of giving thanks, building community ties, and providing young people with opportunities to serve and learn. With thoughtful planning, families can arrive early, participate actively, and enjoy the pride and purpose of the day. The recognition of veterans and their contributions resonates well beyond the parade route, making it a meaningful day of unity for everyone in Tempe.
As the city pauses on November 11 for this annual tribute, the gathering serves as a reminder that service matters—those who answer the call deserve not just a ceremony but our ongoing respect, community involvement, and active commitment to support. Whether you are a veteran, family member, student, or community volunteer, your presence helps amplify the message: here in Tempe, we remember, we honor, and we move forward together.
Sources: tempelocal.org, Tempe’s Military Tribute Banner Program, Veterans Day Parade
Header Image Source: pexels.com
