The Town of Gilbert gave each veteran a challenge coin.

Charles Tobias and Nikki Stratton. Nikki is the granddaughter of Don Stratton, who was a survivor of the December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor attack on the USS Arizona, BB-39. Don passed on February 15, 2020. Nikki is the sponsor of the new submarine USS Arizona (SSN-803), a Block 5 Virginia-class submarine, authorized for construction on December 2, 2019. It will be the fourth United States Navy vessel named for the state of Arizona.

(l-r) Charles Tobias and Bill Spence. Bill Spence retired from the US Navy as a Lieutenant Commander as a Nuclear Engineering Officer after serving nearly 24 years on seven submarines and two aircraft carriers. While Bill was on the Gilbert City Council, he was instrumental in getting Gilbert, AZ, named as the sponsoring city for the new submarine USS Arizona (SSN-803).

Prior to the ceremony, the Power Ranch Elementary School Choir, led by Ms. Ashley Grimm, Director, entertained us with patriotic music.

Prior to the ceremony, the Williams Field High School Symphonic Band, also entertained us with patriotic music.

Radio personality Mike Broomhead was the Master of Ceremonies.

Posting the Colors.

Garland Miller sang the National Anthem.

The Honorable Gilbert Mayor Brigette Peterson presented a Veterans Day Proclamation.

The Keynote Speaker, Cpl Matthew R. Bradford, USMC (ret) gave a touching speech about his life after losing both his legs and his vision after stepping on an IED in Iraq. His message was "Even without Legs and Vision, you can still have No Problems."

The closing included Pipe & Drum by the Gilbert Fire Ceremonial Team.