The city of Scottsdale will host a public event on March 29 to honor Vietnam veterans at the Scottsdale Civic Center East Bowl. The ceremony, organized by the Scottsdale Veterans Advisory Commission, is scheduled for National Vietnam Veterans Day and will begin at 11 a.m.
The event aims to recognize the service and sacrifice of those who served during the Vietnam era. Complimentary lunch will be provided for registered guests, and registration is required for attendance.
This year’s featured speaker is Francisco “Frank” Moreno, a Vietnam veteran who served as both a U.S. Army paratrooper and helicopter pilot. As a member of the 101st Airborne Division, Moreno participated in enforcing President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s desegregation order at Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1957. He later completed two tours in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot and flew multiple missions during the Battle of Ia Drang in 1965 to evacuate wounded soldiers. His actions earned him the Silver Star, which is currently under review for an upgrade to the Medal of Honor. Moreno has described his motivation with one word: “brotherhood,” emphasizing his commitment to never leave fellow soldiers behind.
Attendees can view a display of a Vietnam-era OH-6 helicopter provided by the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation Southwest Chapter. Commemorative lapel pins from the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration will be given to all Vietnam veterans present. There will also be opportunities for attendees to share messages of appreciation and support for veterans and their families.
Since 2017, March 29 has been recognized as National Vietnam War Veterans Day, honoring nearly nine million Americans who served during that conflict and acknowledging their families’ support. In 2024, Scottsdale received special recognition from the U.S. Department of Defense as a “Top Performer” among organizations participating in the U.S. Vietnam War Commemoration.
Scottsdale has long attracted artists, writers, and health seekers while blending Western heritage with cultural activities according to its official history page. The city operates through various departments and boards and offers recreational spaces such as parks and golf courses within Indian Bend Wash as shown on its organizational chart. Forbes ranked Scottsdale among the top 15 safest U.S. cities with populations over 100,000 according to its official recognition page. By 2000, more than 202,000 residents lived across about 185 square miles according to its history page.
The city functions under a council-manager government structure where legislative authority rests with an elected council according to its official website. Known as “The West’s Most Western Town,” Scottsdale’s nickname reflects its ranching roots and tourism appeal as noted on its history page.
