Fountain Hills veterans groups are inviting the public to gather with them for their annual Veterans Day ceremony to take place at 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, at the Veterans Memorial.

The keynote speaker is Ted Vogt, director of Arizona Department of Veterans Services.

Vogt was appointed to his post by Gov. Jan Brewer in June. He served as an intelligence officer in the Air Force from 2000 to 2006 including tours in Iraq as a part of Operation “Iraqi Freedom” and in Afghanistan as a part of Operation “Enduring Freedom” as well as a tour in the Pentagon where he briefed the chief of staff of the Air Force.

After leaving the Air Force, Vogt attended and graduated from the University of Arizona’s Rogers College of Law. Vogt served in the Arizona House of Representatives from March 2010 to January 2013 representing the (then) 30th District (Tucson).

This year, American Legion Post 58, led by Commander Len Ahsing, has lead responsibility for the Nov. 11 ceremony, which is a joint project of the town’s three veterans service organizations, VFW Post 7507, AMETS Post 7 and American Legion Post 58.

Responsibility for all ceremonies at the Veterans Memorial rotates between the three veterans organizations.

Veterans are encouraged to wear their medals and/or ribbons whether on civilian clothes or full/partial uniforms.

The wearing of shirts with the slogan “Home of the Free Because of the Brave” or other patriotic apparel is appropriate and encouraged. VFW, American Legion and AMVETS members are encouraged to wear organizational caps/hats and shirts.

The VFW Post 7507 Color Guard will participate in the ceremony and post the colors.

Coffee and donuts will be available at American Legion Post 58 for all who attend the ceremony. It is anticipated that Vogt will meet and greet attendees at the post.

American Legion Post 58 is located at 16837 E Parkview Ave.

At the request of management at Fountain View Village to allow their residents and staff to participate in a Veterans Day event, the VFW Post 7507 Color Guard will participate in a special flag ceremony at 11 a.m. at Fountain View Village, 16455 E. Ave of the Fountains. This ceremony is open to the public as well.

Fountain Hills residents and guests who are unable to attend the formal 9 a.m. ceremony at the Veterans Memorial are invited to attend the 11 a.m. activity.