May 25, 2025

Memorial Day Events and Traffic Improvements in Phoenix

News Summary

Memorial Day in Phoenix will feature commemorative events honoring veterans while highlighting significant traffic improvements on Interstate 17. Ceremonies at various locations, including the National Memorial Cemetery, will provide a space for families to honor fallen heroes. Simultaneously, the newly opened lanes on I-17, which have recently been expanded for better traffic flow, promise to ease congestion during the holiday weekend. The recognition of Native veterans also adds a poignant element to the observance.

Phoenix

Memorial Day on Monday, May 26, 2025, will be marked by various events across the Valley, honoring fallen veterans while also celebrating traffic improvements aimed at easing congestion. The VA will host a public Memorial Day commemoration ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, starting at 8 a.m., where families and community members can gather to pay their respects.

In Litchfield, a floral tribute will take place at the WWII Memorial located on the west side of Litchfield Elementary School beginning at 7 a.m. This ceremony will include the playing of “Taps,” a prayer, and a moment of silence. At 8:30 a.m., Gilbert Town Hall will host its ceremony, featuring a flag and wreath presentation and remarks from Mayor Scott Anderson. Meanwhile, Avondale Civic Center Amphitheater will hold a musical tribute and a flag ceremony starting at 8:30 a.m.

On the infrastructure front, drivers can now take advantage of newly opened lanes on Interstate 17, which have been added just in time for the Memorial Day weekend. The new lanes stretch for 15 miles between Anthem Way and Black Canyon City, accommodating a third lane in both directions. This improvement project, costing an estimated $522 million, commenced construction in September 2022.

Traffic Improvements

The I-17 improvement project has significantly expanded roadway capacity and enhanced safety features, including the replacement of two bridges and the widening of ten others. The project will also introduce eight miles of flex lanes, allowing for better traffic management. Many local drivers have expressed excitement about the new lanes, expecting these changes to greatly benefit both commuters and travelers.

Honor to Native Veterans

Earlier in the week, on May 23, additional recognition for veterans took place when the Phoenix Indian Center and the Veterans Affairs’ Phoenix regional office honored Native veterans with a ceremony at Steele Indian School Park. This event featured speakers, including descendants of Navajo Code Talkers, providing a rich context for the contributions of Native American servicemen and servicewomen.

During the ceremony, Diné U.S. Air Force veteran Shine Jozefiak shared her experiences in serving during Operation Enduring Freedom. Veterans were honored with a hand-crafted wreath of red, white, and blue flowers presented at the American Indian Veterans Memorial. The ceremony underscored the importance of recognizing the sacrifices made by Native community veterans.

Further, Governor Katie Hobbs relocated tribal flags that were displayed at the Phoenix VA Hospital to the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and later to the Arizona Capitol Rotunda. This move highlights the ongoing efforts to acknowledge and respect the contributions of Native veterans within the broader context of Memorial Day observances.

Background Context

Memorial Day has long served as a day of remembrance for those who lost their lives while serving in the military. Many communities across the United States engage in various commemorative ceremonies to honor the sacrifices made by these individuals. The events in Phoenix and surrounding cities not only reflect this tradition but also provide families and veterans with a space to connect and commemorate their loved ones.

Overall, this Memorial Day weekend promises both a heartfelt remembrance of the fallen and a significant easing of traffic conditions for those traveling to participate in the various ceremonies across the Valley.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Three Construction Workers Injured in Phoenix Accident
Heavy Traffic Expected in Arizona for Memorial Day Weekend
City of Phoenix Announces Memorial Day Service Adjustments
New Third Lane Opening on Interstate 17 Traffic Expansion
Phoenix to Host Variety of Events Next Week
Arizona Faces Rising Gas Prices Amid Refinery Closures
Arizona Governor Takes Action Against Rising Gas Prices
Tragic Accident Claims Life of Young Motorcyclist in Phoenix
Gas Prices on the Rise in Arizona: What You Need to Know

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER

PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.

STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER

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