On Veterans Day, we celebrate and honor America’s military veterans for their love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice.
The holiday, originally called Armistice Day, takes place on Nov. 11 because that is the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. However, in 1954, the holiday name was changed to Veterans Day to recognize all veterans in all wars.
How Can You Help a Veteran in Need?
Up By Their Bootstraps, a non-profit organization based in Goodyear, helps veterans by providing vehicles for veterans and their families. The organization was created to give a “Hand Up, not a Hand Out” offering assistance to our military men and women, where needed, in a dignified and honorable manner. They work with members of the military and their families who are in need of housing, transportation, job training and business opportunities, whether they are deployed or have recently returned from deployment.
If you’d like to donate a car, make a contribution or know a veteran in need, contact the organization at http://upbytheirbootstraps.org/contact-us/ or 623.523.1975.
The organization has set up a wall of remembrance where people can add the names of their military family and friends – past and present. They encourage everyone to take few moments to stop, reflect, support and pray for our military families.
The Tribute Wall at Gratitude Corner is located in Goodyear, at the corner of Indian Springs Road and 143rd Avenue – on the way to Phoenix International Raceway. It is accessible for visitation around the clock.
We’ve found additional events close to Estrella marking this important occasion:
Veterans Day Tribute Festival
On November 11 at Goodyear Civic Square, enjoy a concert, live art demos, giveaways, children’s activities and food trucks in honor of local heroes, the miliary service men and women of the West Valley.
When: Nov. 11, 5-8 p.m.
Where: Goodyear Civic Square, 1900 N. Civic Square, Goodyear, about 8 miles from Estrella
Fee: Free
Veterans Appreciation Celebration at Glendale Community College
Glendale Community College will hold a Veterans’ Appreciation Celebration, geared toward celebrating the college’s veteran population. There will be lawn games, free food and a heartfelt thank you from Glendale Community College’s Veterans Services & the Associated Student Government. Note: Celebration will be held November 9. The campus is closed on Veterans Day.
When: Nov. 9, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Center Mall at GCC, about 25 miles from Estrella
Fee: Free
Veterans Day Gourd Dance and Community Potluck
This event honors the memory of all Veterans who have served our nation. Gourd dancing begins at 11:30 a.m., conducted by the Arizona Territory Gourd Society. Due to COVID precautions, please bring packaged food instead of homemade for potluck.
When: Nov. 11, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Pueblo Grande Museum, 4619 E Washington Street, about 35 miles from Estrella
Fee: Free
9th Annual Veterans Day Ceremony and Fun Run at Estrella Mountain Community College
Join Estrella Mountain Community College and the City of Avondale for Veterans Day Ceremony and a family-friendly 5K fun run with bootcamp-like obstacles throughout! Bootcamp stations include ammo can lifts, tire flipping and more, all concluding with an awesome grenade toss! Don’t worry, they’re only dummy grenades!
When: Nov. 11, Run is at 8 a.m., Ceremony is at 9 a.m.
Where: Estrella Mountain Community College, North Plaza, 3000 N Dysart Rd, Avondale, 10 miles from Estrella
Fee: $11.11 for veterans, $25 for civilian
Phoenix Veterans Day Parade
Join 45,000+ spectators honoring United States veterans on November 11 in Phoenix. The parade starts at Montebello and Central runs southbound, then turns East on Camelback Road, and then turns South on 7th Street.
When: Nov. 11 at 11 a.m.
Where: The parade starts at Montebello and Central runs southbound, then turns East on Camelback Road, and then turns South on 7th Street. About 33 miles from Estrella
Fee: Free
Be sure to honor our veterans at one of these celebrations.
Find your new home at Estrella.com and discover why more than 7,400 families already call this diverse, welcoming West Valley master-planned community home. Located in Goodyear, Arizona amongst pristine mountains and a dramatic desert landscape, Estrella offers new homes from seven builders, with 19 model homes to tour, and 40 distinct floor plans. Estrella amenities include multiple Residents’ Clubs, resort-style pools, and a waterpark, 72 acres of lakes, 50-plus miles of paths and trails, the Yacht Club of Estrella, the award-winning Nicklaus Design course at the Golf Club of Estrella, community welcome center Casa Lucero, and more than 40 signature and neighborhood parks.
