Scottsdale honors veterans with Nov. 11 ceremony

Scottsdale invites the community to honor those who have served in the U.S. armed forces during its Veterans Day ceremony at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, 7301 E. Indian Bend Road. Admission is free, and pre-ceremony music begins at 2:30 p.m.

Former U.S. Navy SEAL Lt. Rob Sarver will deliver the keynote address. A 2004 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Sarver served as a surface warfare officer before becoming a SEAL assigned to SEAL Team 3. He completed seven deployments, including three tours supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom and two supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. His military honors include the Bronze Star Medal with a combat “V” device.

Since leaving the military in 2013, Sarver has held business leadership roles and helped veterans navigate the transition to civilian life. He is co-founder and co-CEO of The Heroes Journey and regularly speaks to businesses, veterans’ groups and government agencies about that transition.

The ceremony will feature welcome remarks from Mayor Lisa Borowsky and recognition of Scottsdale Unified School District Written Word Contest winner Pippa Arthur for her winning entry, “Empathy.”

The program also includes the posting and retirement of the colors, the Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem performed by Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Lenny Miller. Scottsdale’s Veterans Advisory Commission will provide opening and closing remarks.

Residents, veterans, military families and visitors are welcome to gather for an afternoon honoring the service and sacrifices of the nation’s veterans.