Veterans Memorial

Project Began:
2010
Project Completion:
Phase I Fall 2012
Budget:
$1.2 million
To Raise:
$600,000

Overview

Tempe has a beautiful Veterans Memorial at Beach Park to remember or honor the men and women who have served our country throughout its history. The City of Tempe supports a memorial dedicated to veterans. The memorial has two main areas:

  • The Veterans Parade – Consist of silhouettes of laser cut steel panels outlining marching officers, enlisted men and women in full-dress and battle fatigues representing veterans of each service throughout history.
  • The Overlook & Visitors Plaza – the remaining abutment of the former Ash Avenue Bridge was originally one of only two bridges that crossed the Salt River. In 1991, the State Street Bridge (Ash Avenue Bridge), a picturesque and historic river crossing that had been eroded and pummeled from floods, was torn down due to extensive structural damage. The abutment of the historic Ash Avenue Bridge remains as a monument on the south side of the river and is now listed on the Tempe Historic Property Register. The area now serves as the location for the end celebration for the annual Tempe Veterans’ Day Parade.
  • The Memory Walk -Pavers are in honor of or in memory of a family member or friend remembered for their service at the Veteran’s Memorial.

Project Components:

  • Phase I – Overlook & Visitors Plaza completed
  • Phase II – Veteran’s Parade and Memory Walk

Major Donors:

  • City of Tempe and the Malone Family
  • Arizona Public Service
  • Curtis Bosselman Family. First Paver Brick in the Memory Lane