Celebrate your patriotism, American pride by honoring our veterans! The ceremony features presentation of colors, music by local schools, special guest speakers, food and refreshments, and much more.

 November 8th, 2018 |Civic Center Campus|11am

11:00am- Patriotic Music

 11:30 Veterans Day Ceremony

                                                Key Note Speaker -Lieutenant Colonel Freddie J. Blish, USMC (Ret)                                                                                                               

Originally from Springfield, Vermont, LtCol Blish graduated from Norwich University in 1986 and was commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.  After attending The Basic School for Marine Officers, he was assigned as an Engineer Platoon Commander deploying to Viequez Island Puerto Rico.  Later, 1stLT Blish was assigned to Marine Corps Security Force Company Panama, and subsequently promoted to Captain. Capt Blish was given a Company command at 1^st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1^st Marine Division. His company was significantly involved in the planning and execution of two Regimental size amphibious exercises which included operational and strategic level input on future tactics, techniques, and procedures which effected the entire Marine Corps.Subsequently, Major Blish was assigned to Marine Forces Pacific Command for duties as the Engineer Operations and Plans officer for Marine Forces Pacific and Marine Forces Central Command. He was then assigned to Headquarters Marine Corps.In July 2002, LtCol Blish was assigned as the Operations Officer Marine Wing Support Group 37, 3^rd Marine Air Wing and deployed to Kuwait and Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom I. During OIF I LtCol Blish led a composite element of three FARP teams and one RRR team with over four hundred Marines from Baghdad, Iraq to Tikrit, Iraq as part of 1^st Marine Division Task Force Tripoli. Prior to Operation Iraqi Freedom II, LtCol Blish was hand selected to participate in the I Marine Expeditionary Force site survey of the Al Anbar Province of Iraq for future Marine Security and Stability Operations.  In May 2005, LtCol Blish commanded Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, training and deploying over 750 Marines in 2006 to 2007 for Operation Iraqi Freedom IV/V.  LtCol Blish retired from the Marine Corps in May 2007.  LtCol Blish was married to Heather Eisenwinter Blish for 20 years before she passed from cancer in August 2007. He is now wed to Mrs Hope Blish and he is Owner & President of Robar Companies, Inc in North Phoenix.

 FAQ's

• Is there an admission fee?  No, this event is open to the public and is a free event.
• Will food and beverages be available?  Yes,  thanks you to the support of local Gilbert restaurants, a free lunch will be served following the ceremony. Beverages will also be available at no charge, thanks to the donations of our event sponsors. 
• Who can attend this event?  This event is open to the public. Veterans and their families are encouraged to attend.
• Where can I park? Parking will be available at the Civic Center campus-50 E. Civic Center Drive.                                                                                                                                                       

If you are interested in SPONSORING the Veterans Day Ceremony, please contact Mike Leppert at 480-503-6235 or email him at mike.leppert@gilbertaz.gov

Veterans Day Sponsorship Information