10th Annual Tempe Community Salutes takes place May 6

Tempe will celebrate dozens of residents at its 10th Annual Tempe Community Salutes on Monday, May 6, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Tempe Center for the Arts.

Every year, hundreds of Tempeans make the important decision to serve our country in the armed forces, and Tempe recognizes them with this special hometown send-off celebration that is free and open to the public, a city release detailed.

Recruits represent graduating Tempe Union High School District seniors and other community members. They will receive a commemorative “First to Say Thank You” challenge coin and a special graduation stole embroidered with their respective military service branch, according to the release.

“As both a council member and a school board member, I have watched this group of students excel as they have matured into young adults, ready to serve our great nation. I’m excited to congratulate and honor them at Tempe Community Salutes,” Tempe City Councilmember and Tempe Union Governing Board Member Berdetta Hodge stated in the release.

Speakers will include Councilmember Hodge and Tempe Union High School District Assistant Superintendent Sean McDonald. U.S. Senator Mark Kelly will also provide a video greeting. The TUHSD JROTC will present the colors.

The East Valley Harmonizers Barbershop Chorus will perform throughout the evening and light refreshments will be served, the release stated.

Tempe Community Salutes is sponsored by Amazon, WM, Sender, Sundt Construction and Gammage & Burnham. Since 2015, hundreds of military-bound Tempeans have taken part in the ceremony, an initiative that was started by veteran and former Councilmember Robin Arredondo-Savage, according to the release.

For information about Community Salutes, visit tempe.gov/Community Salutes.