Observe Memorial Day at the Anthem Veterans Memorial
This somber ceremony honoring veterans who lost their lives while serving our nation will take place on Monday, May 30, at 10 a.m. at the Anthem Veterans Memorial (AVM). The keynote address will be delivered by Cmdr. Bill Krissoff, a surgeon who entered the Navy at the age of 61, upon learning of his Marine son’s death in Iraq. His desire was to honor his son’s memory by being on the front lines to help save lives.
ProMusica Arizona will provide music and there will be a POW/MIA ceremony as part of the program. Additionally, Army veteran Chris Heisler, president of the Honor Network, will also present a Veterans Perspective speech during the ceremony. In the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Heisler put his career on hold and enlisted. Injured in Iraq, his military service officially ended in December 2007. Now, in his role with the Honor Network, Heisler orchestrates for the Honor Flag to travel the country.
Color Guards from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, the Daisy Mountain Fire Department, the Phoenix Police and Fire Departments and the U.S. Navy will open the ceremony by carrying the “Honor Flag” and raise it over the Memorial. Since Sept. 11, 2001, when the Honor Flag was first placed on the debris of the fallen World Trade Center towers, this piece of history has traveled the country and extended to the stars as it escorted astronauts aboard the NASA Space Shuttle Atlantis. It has flown over the U.S. Capitol, Pentagon, presidential libraries, state capitols and first responder memorials. It has paid tribute to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty protecting the lives, homes and freedom of Americans, and also those who currently serve our communities and nation. This natural treasure is escorted and handled by a caravan of trained armed guards.
Seating will be limited. Lawn chairs are welcome and encouraged. Attendees are advised to arrive early to avoid parking lot and grounds congestion.
After the ceremony, Anthem Boy Scout Troop 432 will be hosting a community-wide flag retirement ceremony at the Amphitheater. Learn more.
