Anthem Veterans Memorial
About the Memorial
The Anthem Veterans Memorial (AVM), located in Community Park, is a monument dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of our country's armed forces. It is a place of honor and reflection for veterans, their families, and friends, and also is a place to show respect to those service men and women who have and continue to courageously serve our country.
The Five Pillar significance:
- The five pillars represent the unity of the five branches of the United States military serving steadfastly together.
- Staggered in size with their appropriate military seal placements on each pillar, the pillars are arranged in the Department of Defense order of precedence.
- At precisely 11:11 am each Veterans Day (November 11), the sun's rays pass through the ellipses of the five Armed Services pillars to form a solar spotlight on the glass mosaic of The Great Seal of the United States.
- The brick pavers within the Circle of Honor are inscribed with the names of U.S. servicemen and women, symbolizing the 'support' for the Armed Forces. The pavers are red, the pillars are white, and the sky is blue to represent America's flag.
- The circle, flanked by two "Soldier Rows," represents an unbreakable border.
Learn the "Engineering Behind the Memorial (PDF)," with Jim Martin, Chief Engineer.
The Anthem Veterans Memorial copyright is shared by the Anthem Community Council and artist Renee Palmer-Stevens. Duplication of this monument is forbidden.
Honors & Awards
The Anthem Veterans Memorial was named an Arizona State Historic Landmark by the Arizona Historical Society in May, 2012. The Arizona Historical Society was founded by an act of the Arizona Territorial Legislature in 1864.
- Arizona Public Works Project of the Year Award 2012 - Arizona Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA)
- ACEC 2012 Grand Award - Best Engineering and Environmental Consulting Project - American Consulting Engineers Companies
- America Vietnam War Commemoration Partner
- On November 11, 2023, the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) dedicated the America 250th Patriot Marker in the Anthem Veterans Memorial. The marker commemorates the men and women who fought to found a new nation for 1775-1783. The marker was donated by and presented by the local DAR Ocotillo Chapter.
AVM Facility Rentals
The Anthem Veterans Memorial is available to reserve for special occasions. The award-winning Memorial offers a quiet place of reflection for veterans, their families, and visitors. Any event or gathering using the AVM as a backdrop must maintain the dignity and respect inherent to the Memorial and those visiting it. Requests will be approved after being evaluated by the Anthem Community Council.
The Veterans Memorial is unavailable on Veterans Day and Memorial Day.
Contact Briah Kelly, Special Events Supervisor, to inquire about reserving the Anthem Veterans Memorial.