Honor, remember and celebrate the lives of the fallen military men and women with events throughout the East Valley in the upcoming days.
Nathan Martens Arizona Memorial at San Tan Mountain Regional Park
When: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday
Where: San Tan Mountain Regional Park, 6533 W. Phillips Road, Queen Creek
Cost: $6 per vehicle for park entry; fee waived to just view the memorial
Details: Honor, remember and celebrate the lives of the fallen military men and women who served in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom this Memorial Day. Stop by the Nathan Martens Arizona Memorial to view the tribute listing the names of the fallen Arizona military men and women. San Tan Visitors Center will have a special memorial book that has been prepared by the San Tan Mountains Pride Association with information about each fallen soldier, along with a guest book for visitors to sign.
Contact: www.maricopa.gov/parks/santan or (480) 655-5554
Gilbert Historical Museum Memorial Day ceremony
When: 9 a.m. Monday
Where: Gilbert Historical Museum, 10 S. Gilbert Road
Cost: Free
Details: Annual observance on the museum's front lawn will include patriotic music by the Ahwatukee Foothills Concert Band, a tribute to those who have lost their lives during service, a flag ceremony, and comments from Mayor Steve Berman and council members. There will be free admission to the museum during the event from 10 a.m. to noon, including a grand reopening of the museum's military room focusing on how World Wars I and II and the Vietnam and Korean wars affected Gilbert residents who served and those on the home front. There will also be a used book sale.
Contact: www.gilbertmuseum.com or (480) 926-1577
Seventh annual Memorial Day Celebration
When: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday
Where: Tempe Beach Park, 54 West Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe
Cost: Free
Details: Sen. John McCain is scheduled to give remarks at 5:15 p.m. during the annual Memorial Day observance, hosted by Arizona Academy of the Performing Arts. It will also include food, games, entertainment and raffles, along with speeches by Gov. Jan Brewer and other politicians during the day.
Contact: http://www.tempe.gov/calendar
Memorial Day program
When: 10 a.m. Monday
Where: Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park, 400 S. Power Road, Mesa
Cost: Free
Details: Annual Memorial Day program honoring the departed, especially those who have served in our military. The program will include an inspirational message, music and the laying of the wreath at our Veterans Section of Serenity Garden. A dedication of the new Serenity Garden will take place after the program. Refreshments will be served following the dedication.
Contact: (480) 830-4422 or www.mariposagardens.com
