Annual event honors fallen servicemembers and features Color Guard Presentation by Luke Air Force Base Guard
PHOENIX, May 21, 2025–(BUSINESS WIRE)–University of Phoenix held its annual Memorial Day flag-planting event May 20 on its Phoenix campus in Arizona, honoring the sacrifices of those who served and died in the Armed Forces. This was the 16th year of the event, with volunteers from university employees and community members planting more than 10,000 flags spelling out, “Grateful Nation.”
“University of Phoenix welcomes the community taking part in our Memorial Day flag-planting,” stated John Ramirez, MBA, MS/AJS-GHS, retired U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj., and dean of operations for the University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies. “The event and this year’s message help us connect with each other as we remember with gratitude our loved ones, our friends and so many who gave their all.”
Following the flag-planting, Sandra Perez, vice president, Student Administrative Services, led a ceremony that featured performances of the national anthem and “Taps,” a Color Guard presentation by Luke Air Force Base, and guest speaker Arizona Supreme Court Justice William Montgomery, U.S. Army, who served 1989-1995.
“The service and sacrifices of American servicemembers light the way for each of us, for students, faculty, and staff,” Perez shared. “It’s humbling to spend this time together, honoring the sacrifice of those heroes, alongside our volunteers and community members.”
On Friday, May 23, the flags will be collected by the nonprofit Arizona Heroes to Hometowns to be distributed at local military cemeteries ahead of Memorial Day.
A time-lapse video of the flag-planting is available here.
About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.
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Contacts
MEDIA CONTACT:
Sharla Hooper
University of Phoenix
sharla.hooper@phoenix.edu
