Memorial Day 2018 In Phoenix Public Ceremonies Events And Ways To Honor Veterans

Memorial Day 2018 in the Phoenix metropolitan area offered numerous opportunities for residents and visitors to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. The holiday, commemorated on Monday, May 28, served as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by service members. For many, the long weekend also marked the unofficial start of summer, with various recreational activities available alongside traditional observances.

The available documentation outlines a variety of events taking place across the Valley, ranging from formal military ceremonies to community gatherings and recreational outings. These events provided multiple avenues for the public to participate in remembrance activities, whether through attending a structured ceremony, observing a moment of silence, or engaging in family-friendly activities that pay tribute to the holiday's true meaning.

Official Ceremonies and Cemetery Observances

The National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona served as a central location for official Memorial Day observances in the Phoenix area. Located at 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, the cemetery hosted a traditional military ceremony beginning at 8 a.m. on Monday, May 28. The event featured Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, a Marine Corps veteran, as the keynote speaker. This ceremony was free and open to the public, offering a formal setting for remembrance. The cemetery generally commemorates the day similarly to other VA national cemeteries across the country.

In addition to the main event at the National Memorial Cemetery, other organizations held observances at historic sites. The Pioneers' Cemetery Association presented its annual Memorial Day observance at Pioneer and Military Memorial Park, located at 14th Avenue and Jefferson Street in Phoenix. This event began at 9 a.m. and featured Marty Manning as the master of ceremonies. Public parking was available at Wesley Bolin Plaza. Following the ceremony, attendees had the opportunity to tour the cemeteries and visit the historic Smurthwaite House. All activities associated with this observance were free to the public.

Another significant ceremony took place at the Anthem Veterans Memorial in Anthem Community Park. Hosted by the Daisy Mountain Veterans and Anthem Community Council, this event began at 9 a.m. The ceremony included speakers, music, and a POW/MIA ceremony. A poignant aspect of the observance involved placing roses on the pavers of those who were killed in action. The ceremony concluded with the playing of "Taps." Contact information for this event was listed as 623-742-6050 and onlineatanthem.com.

Yavapai County also hosted observances, specifically the annual Memorial Day observance at Citizens Cemetery in Prescott. Presented by the Yavapai Cemetery Association, this event took place from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Monday, May 28. It featured patriotic speeches, music by Veterans Memorial Pipers, High Mountain Chordsmen, and Prescott Brass Ensemble. A presentation of flags by Camp Verde Cavalry and Arizona Rough Riders, a flag raising, a volley, and echo taps by American Legion Post 6 were also part of the program. This event was free to attend.

Community and Municipal Events

Several municipalities organized their own Memorial Day ceremonies, providing accessible venues for local residents. The city of Litchfield Park held its official Memorial Day ceremony in front of the World War II memorial site at Litchfield Elementary School. The brief, 30-minute event began at 7 a.m. and was led by Litchfield Park Mayor Thomas Schoaf. It included floral tributes, a prayer, light refreshments, and the playing of "Taps." This event was free to the public.

In Gilbert, a ceremony was held at Gilbert Town Hall starting at 8:30 a.m. The event, hosted by HD South, Gilbert’s historical museum, featured military traditions for the holiday and remarks from Mayor Scott Anderson. It included a flag and wreath ceremony, a battlefield cross, and a POW/MIA table. Attendance was free. Separately, the Gilbert Historical Society and American Legion Post 39 hosted a morning of celebration and remembrance at the Gilbert Historical Museum from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. This event included a flag and wreath ceremony, musical performances, and speakers. Contact information for the museum is 480-926-1577, and the website is gilbertmuseum.org.

Avondale hosted a ceremony at the Avondale Civic Center Amphitheater beginning at 8:30 a.m. Run by various organizations, including American Legion’s Crandall Palmer Post 61, VFW Pat Tillman Memorial Post 40, and the Blue Star Moms, the event featured memorial exhibits, a musical tribute, and a flag ceremony for the fallen.

Additional municipal events included a service at Green Acres Mortuary and Cemetery in Scottsdale from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The annual service featured a warbird flyover, posting of colors, a bagpiper, wreath and flag presentation, and guest speakers. This event was free.

Cultural and Educational Programs

For those seeking educational or cultural aspects of Memorial Day, the Heard Museum offered a special event on Monday, May 26 (as noted in the source data, though the specific year context suggests alignment with the 2018 Memorial Day weekend). Located at 2301 N. Central Avenue, the museum hosted an event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. that included music performances in the Steele auditorium and a screening of a documentary about the Navajo Code Talkers in Harnett Theater. Attendees could explore the museum, view art exhibitions, and visit the American Indian Veterans National Memorial. Admission was free for military service members, veterans, and their families. General admission was $26 for adults, $21 for seniors, and $10 for kids and college students. Notably, veterans and their families could enter for free all weekend, a privilege also extended to anyone with a tribal ID.

Recreational Activities and Family Events

Beyond formal ceremonies, several events combined remembrance with summer leisure activities. Lake Pleasant offered a way to kick off the summer season. Pleasant Harbor Marina and RV Resort provided camping, a clubhouse with a pool, and a full-service marina. Memorial Day weekend activities included daily boat cruises, live music, and more. The event ran from May 25 through May 28. There was a $6 park entry fee, with prices for activities varying. Pleasant Harbor Marina is located at 8708 W. Harbor Blvd., Peoria, and can be reached at 602-269-0077 or at pleasantharbor.com.

For motorcycle enthusiasts, the "Flags for Our Fallen" event involved more than 200 bikers carrying 500 American flags to pay tribute to those who served. Camping was available starting Friday, May 25, through the holiday weekend. Riders arrived at 4 a.m. on Memorial Day, with the ceremony beginning at 8 a.m. at 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix. Participation was free, but flag sponsorships were available for $10 each or three for $25. Registration and sponsorship details were available online at ridersusa.net.

A unique and lighthearted event was the "World’s Shortest Memorial Day Parade" in Crown King. This annual event honored military veterans but invited everyone to join. It took place at noon on Sunday, May 27, followed by a family carnival at the Fire Department at 12:10 p.m. The event was free. Attendees traveling from Phoenix were advised to take Interstate 17 north to Bloody Basin Road (Exit 259) and follow Forest Road 259 (Crown King Road) for 24 miles. The road was described as rough, narrow, and unpaved with sharp switchbacks, and a high-clearance vehicle was recommended. Contact for the event was 928-632-7911, and the website was CrownKingAz.com.

Another event combining celebration and remembrance was the Memorial Day Picnic and season preview hosted by the Arizona Academy of the Performing Arts. This event took place at Apache Junction High School from noon to 2 p.m. It featured a picnic lunch of hot dogs, beans, salad, and dessert. Performances by the Academy Youth Guard, Phenom SoundSport, and sections of the Academy Drum and Bugle Corps occurred at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tickets were available for purchase online in advance.

Observance Guidelines

For those unable to attend a specific event, the documentation suggests an alternative method of observance: observing a moment of silence at 3 p.m. on Monday, May 28. This allows individuals to honor the lives lost regardless of their location.

Conclusion

Memorial Day 2018 in the Phoenix area provided a diverse array of opportunities to honor fallen service members. From the formal military ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona to community-led observances in Gilbert, Litchfield Park, Avondale, and Anthem, residents had access to numerous free events. Cultural institutions like the Heard Museum offered educational programming, while recreational destinations such as Lake Pleasant and the community of Crown King provided family-friendly activities that still acknowledged the holiday's significance. Whether through a solemn ceremony, a moment of silence, or a patriotic parade, the Valley offered many ways to remember and pay tribute.

Sources

1. Memorial Day weekend 2018 events in Phoenix, around Arizona
2. Phoenix Memorial Day Observances
3. Memorial Day Events Planned Throughout Valley