Phoenix ceremony to honor fallen first responders, veterans
May 27, 2016, 9:05 AM
(City of Phoenix Photo)
PHOENIX — Just one day after Phoenix police officer David Glasser was laid to rest, the city will hold its annual celebration to pay tribute to police officers, firefighters and veterans who died in the line of duty.
The Third Annual Star Spangled Celebration will take place Friday evening at 5 p.m. at Cesar Chavez Park in Laveen.
Nearly 50 Phoenix police officers and firefighters have made the ultimate sacrifice and Phoenix City Councilman Michael Nowakowski said this event helps keep their legacies alive.
“Family members come down and they give a testimony on their loved ones that have passed away,” Nowakowski said.
There will also be a solemn ceremony where residents can light and release lanterns into the park’s lake to honor the fallen.
“What a way to honor and give praise to all those police officers and firefighters that put on that uniform on a daily basis to protect and to serve our community,” Nowakowski said.
The free event will also feature live music, a bike rodeo, police and firefighter demonstrations and inflatable bounce houses for kids. The celebration will culminate with a fireworks display at 9 p.m.