Vietnam veteran wants north Phoenix peak named 'Veterans Mountain'

A Vietnam veteran has filed an application to name a mountain in north Phoenix "Veterans Mountain" in honor of all American veterans, "past, present and future."

The application was filed by Lanny Brent of Sun City. The 1,900-foot peak is in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, west of State Route 51 and north of Northern Avenue.

Brent said he picked that mountain because it does not have a name.

"People would drive by and say, 'Look, that's Veterans Mountain,' and be reminded of the sacrifices that our men and women in service have made," Brent said.

He said, however, that the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department opposes his idea.

"There are a number of mountains in the preserve already named," Brent said. "Their concern is, 'Gee, if we name it for you guys (veterans), we are going to have to name one for every Tom, Dick and Harry who wants a new mountain.'"

The Parks Department has not commented on Brent's idea.

The state Board of Geographic and Historic Names will vote on the proposal Nov. 18.

Good job Lanny! Keep up the fight!