On Monday, May 11, 2026, Attorney Tait D. Elkie had the privilege of participating in the Tempe Community Salutes event in his role as Presiding Judge of the East Valley Regional Veterans’ Court.
Held at the Tempe Center for the Arts, Tempe Community Salutes is a special annual ceremony that honors graduating Tempe Union High School seniors who have committed to military service following graduation. The event celebrates these students before they join the ranks of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy.
Family members, community leaders, city officials, and military representatives gather together to recognize each recruit as they are called on stage and presented with a challenge coin and military branch stole to commemorate their commitment to serve.
Modeled after the national Our Community Salutes program, the event is designed to thank and honor young men and women choosing a path of military service.
During the ceremony, Tait D. Elkie shared his perspective and experiences as a veteran, speaking about service, leadership, and the importance of supporting the next generation of military members. In his remarks to the graduating seniors preparing for military service, he reflected on his own journey of enlisting in the United States Marine Corps at 17 years old and the lessons military service carried into every stage of his life.
“You may not fully realize it yet, but you are standing at the edge of a moment that will shape the rest of your life,” he told the future service members. He encouraged the students to embrace the challenges ahead, reminding them that the military experience would build a foundation of discipline, accountability, and resilience that would continue long after their service. He closed his remarks by encouraging the students to take pride in their commitment to serve and to remember the importance of supporting one another throughout their military journey.
Photo Credit: City of Tempe
We are grateful to the organizers of Tempe Community Salutes for creating such a meaningful tradition that recognizes the dedication and sacrifice of these graduating seniors and their families.
