The annual program is the centerpiece of Scottsdale’s award-winning veteran and military recognition efforts

The city of Scottsdale is accepting nominations for its annual Scottsdale Salutes program, which honors veterans, active-duty military, and members of the National Guard and reserves with ties to the community.

Banners featuring selected honorees will be displayed on light poles in Old Town for two weeks in November, with a special reception recognizing them during Veterans Day events.

Nominees must live in Scottsdale, have lived here previously, or have a strong local connection, such as working in the city for at least five years. Nominations are open through Friday, Sept. 26, at ScottsdaleAZ.gov by searching “Scottsdale Salutes.”

In addition to seeing their banners displayed in Old Town, Scottsdale Salutes honorees will be guests of honor at a special reception held in November and invited to walk in the annual Parada del Sol Historic Parade.

“Scottsdale Salutes allows us to say, ‘thank you’ in a meaningful way to the veterans and military members who are part of our community,” said Justin Layman, chair of the Scottsdale Veterans Advisory Commission. “Each honoree reminds us that our freedoms are secured by courage and sacrifice — we are honored to share their stories with the community.”

Scottsdale’s veteran and military awareness and recognition programs have earned accolades

Scottsdale Salutes is among a handful of programs initiated under the guidance of the city’s Veterans Advisory Commission, seven residents appointed by the City Council to advise on veteran programs, policies and practices and serve as a community connection point for veterans and the military community. 

Another program is Veterans AZ, a video and podcast series that shares news, resources and personal stories of service. Produced by the city, the program is offered to other local governments and plays on municipal channels around the state.

The city has been widely recognized for its veterans’ programs. Scottsdale earned the U.S. Department of Defense’s “Top Performer” designation from the U.S. Vietnam War Commemoration for its annual Vietnam veterans recognition event and other efforts.

In May, Scottsdale Communications & Public Affairs Director Kelly Corsette was honored with the Copper Star Award by Unified Arizona Veterans and the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society. Corsette is the staff liaison to the Veterans Advisory Commission; he earned the Copper Star for his leadership in Scottsdale's veterans initiatives including Veterans AZ, Scottsdale Salutes and Vietnam Veterans Day.

Public places to honor veterans in Scottsdale

Scottsdale, founded by and named for United States Army veteran Chaplain Winfield Scott, is home to many locations that honor veterans. In 2024 the city launched the Scottsdale Veterans Trail, an online story map highlighting more than a dozen local places of honor, including:

• The Scottsdale Memorial for the Fallen at City Hall
• McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, home to Arizona's “Merci Cardquo;, sent as a gift of gratitude by the French people after World War II.
• Thunderbird Field II Veterans Memorial at Scottsdale Airport

Veterans’ events in Scottsdale coming soon

The Veterans Advisory Commission is partnering with community historian (and Air Force veteran) Joan Fudala to host a presentation in recognition of National POW/MIA Day – Sept. 19.

Scottsdale’s annual Veterans Day Commemoration will occur at the Civic Center Memorial Lawn at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11.

Details about these events will be published soon.