Scottsdale’s 2023 Veterans Day Commemoration will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11 on the Memorial Lawn at Scottsdale Civic Center in partnership with American Legion Post 44 and other veterans service organizations.
This year’s keynote speaker is Michael McLaughlin, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy (retired), who had a 30-year career in the U.S. Naval Submarine force. Michael graduated from high school in Mesa, Arizona, and is a 1981 graduate of the United States Naval Academy.
His Navy service included billets as commanding officer, USS LA JOLLA (SSN 701), Commodore of Submarine Squadron 11 and Chief of Staff of Naval Submarine Forces. He rose to the rank of Rear Admiral and finished his naval service as Commander, Submarine Group Two, comprising the 25 attack submarines on the East Coast.
In 2011, Michael joined Arizona Public Service (APS) where he worked at Palo Verde Generating Station for 11 years, retiring in 2022 as Vice President of Site Services.
Scottsdale’s annual Veterans Day commemoration is emceed by Mayor David D. Ortega, and in addition to the keynote speaker, includes remarks from representatives of Scottsdale’s American Legion Post 44 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Chapter 3513.
In years past, Scottsdale’s commemoration was held on Veterans Day afternoon at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. This year, the morning event will take place at the Civic Center Memorial Lawn – the area adjacent to City Hall that includes Scottsdale’s Memorial for the Fallen, dedicated earlier this year, and the Chaplain sculpture, honoring veterans and the chaplains who have served as spiritual advisors to military comrades.
The Scottsdale Fire Department Pipe and Drums kicks off the program at 10:30 a.m. with a half-hour of patriotic music.
For more information about this event, visit ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “Veterans Day.” For more information about this event, contact the Office of Communication.
Photo of keynote speaker Michael McLaughlin: Scottsdale.canto.com/b/LH3T4c
More local Veterans Day commemorations and information:
Scottsdale Salutes: honoring local veterans in Old Town. Banners featuring local veterans/servicemembers will fly from street light poles along Drinkwater Boulevard the first two weeks in November. This recognition program was initiated last year by the Scottsdale Veterans Advisory Commission, seven residents appointed by the City Council to advise on veterans’ issues and to raise awareness of and honor veterans in the community.
See the Jazz Ambassadors of The United States Army Field Band Nov. 9. As the official touring big band of the United States Army, the Jazz Ambassadors have received great acclaim at home and abroad for performing America's greatest art form: jazz. This free performance begins at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9 at the East Bowl at Scottsdale Civic Center. Learn more.
Veterans AZ honors those who serve throughout the year. The City of Scottsdale produces Veterans AZ, a video program and podcast featuring Arizona veterans and the many organizations who support them. See a full list of resources, memorials, partner organizations and more serving veterans in Scottsdale at ScottsdaleAZ.gov/veterans.
