TEMPE – Arizona State University invites the public to the more than 20 events scheduled during its seventh Salute to Service celebration across Phoenix metro campuses from Nov. 1 – 12.
Organized by the Pat Tillman Veterans Center and the ASU Alumni Association, Salute to Service is a signature event, typically held the week leading up to Veterans Day, to show appreciation to those who have served in the U.S. military or continue to do so.
With this year’s “Legacy of Service” theme ASU will recognize the more than 3 million Americans who served during the Vietnam War era and pay tribute to the more than 58,000 killed in action. This year’s focus was inspired by a 2012 U.S. Presidential Proclamation that called for the observance of the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War from May 28 of that year to Nov. 11, 2025.
A wide array of unique activities will take place—from recognition of veterans and their families during athletics events, to inspiring panel discussions on various topics, to captivating media exhibits. Key events include:
WEDNESDAY, NOV 1
Subject: The Vietnam War and War Journalism Time: 6 p.m. Location: Downtown Phoenix Campus (Cronkite building, 2nd floor) Synopsis: Arizona PBS hosts a screening of segments from Ken Burns and Lynn Novick’s documentary “The Vietnam War,” followed by a panel discussion moderated by Vanessa Ruiz Cost: Free
Subject: ASU West Pow Wow and Native American Heritage Festival Exhibition Opening Reception Time: 6 p.m. Location: West Campus (University Center, ArtSpace West Gallery) Synopsis: This exhibition will join the annual ASU Pow Wow Festival by showcasing some of Arizona’s contemporary Native American artists. Cost: Free
THURSDAY, NOV 2
Subject: Military Leader Panel Discussion Time: 12 p.m. Location: Tempe Campus (Memorial Union Turquoise Room 220) Synopsis: Current commanders from Arizona military installations will discuss how service members respond to the security challenges and changes in today’s and tomorrow’s environments. Cost: Free
Subject: Military Leader Panel Discussion Time: 1:30 p.m. Location: Tempe Campus (Memorial Union Turquoise Room 220) Synopsis: Enlisted leaders from Arizona military installations will discuss what it means to serve. Cost: Free
Subject: College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Salute to Service Reception Time: 3:30 p.m. Location: Tempe Campus (Manzanita Residence Hall) Synopsis: Reception will include remarks from university leaders and an exhibition of photographs by ASU alum Devin Mitchell with the Veteran Vision Project. Mitchell photographed local Vietnam era veterans for this year’s Salute to Service. Cost: Free
FRIDAY, NOV 3
Subject: ASU Veterans Memorial Wall Dedication Ceremony Time: 11 a.m. Location: Tempe Campus (Memorial Union Stage, lower level south side) Synopsis: The veterans chapter of the ASU Alumni Association will unveil a new memorial containing the names of the 134 ASU alumni veterans who died while serving the nation. Cost: Free
SATURDAY, NOV 4
Subject: Salute to Service Interactive Military Experience Time: Prior to 6 p.m. football game Location: Tempe, between Forest & Mill on 6th Street Synopsis: ASU’s Army ROTC will provide an Army Adventure semi-truck featuring an M1A1 Abrams tank simulator, M9 pistol Lasershot Target System, Explosive Ordnance Disposal robotic arm simulator, various flight simulators, etc. Cost: Free
Subject: Salute to Service Football Game, ASU vs. Colorado Time: 6 p.m. Location: Sun Devil Stadium Synopsis: The game will feature a flyover by two U.S. Navy F-18 Super Hornet jet fighters from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington. Vietnam veterans along with TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) families who have lost members serving in the military will receive special recognition. Recognition will also be given to game-attending commanders from Arizona military installations and to recently retired 4-star Air Force general and ASU alum Phil Breedlove, former commander, Supreme Allied Command, Europe, and commander of U.S. European Command. Cost: Yes
SUNDAY, NOV 5
Subject: Salute to Service Flag Football Tournament Time: 9 a.m. Location: Tempe (Sun Devil Stadium) Synopsis: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences invites the public to watch teams of ASU student veterans and ROTC cadets compete for the coveted Dean’s Cup in this 2nd annual event. Cost: Free
WEDNESDAY, NOV 8
Subject: Marine Corps Birthday Run Time: 5:45 a.m. Location: Tempe Campus (Sun Devil Fitness Complex east field) Synopsis: ASU’s Navy ROTC invites anyone interested to a 3-mile run to celebrate the Marine Corps’ 242nd birthday. Cost: Free
Subject: Veteran Documentary Corps. Real Veterans. Reel Stories Time: 4:50 p.m. Location: Sun Studios, Tempe Synopsis: Iraq War veteran and documentary filmmaker Daniel Bernardi will screen several short documentaries about Vietnam and veterans of recent service, and lead a conversation about representation and narration of gender, race, and ethnicity in film, TV and popular culture. Cost: Free
SATURDAY, NOV 12
Subject: Honor Classic Powerlifting Meet Time: 9 a.m. Location: Tempe Campus (Sun Devil Fitness Complex) Synopsis: This will be the closeout event for Salute to Service 2017. Participants will compete in three lifts: bench press, squats and deadlift. Cost: Free
