Veterans Day, celebrated this year on Saturday, November 11, gives Americans the opportunity to celebrate the bravery and sacrifice of all U.S. veterans. Deceased veterans are also remembered on Veterans Day but the day is set aside to thank and honor living veterans who served honorably in the military – in wartime or peacetime. Here are some local events planned to commemorate those who served our country.
Kennesaw Veterans Day Luncheon
November 10, 12pm North Cobb American Legion Post 304, along with Kennesaw city officials and staff, will honor America’s service men and women with a complimentary lunch at the Ben Robertson Community Center, 2753 Watts Drive. All veterans and active military service members are invited to attend. No identification will be required.
Veterans Salute
November 10, 12pm. North Cobb Senior Center 3900 S. Main Street (inside Kennworth Park) Join North Cobb Senior Center as they host a special tribute and luncheon for those who served in the armed forces. The event is free to veterans and spouses. Please make your reservations no later than November 3. Please call 770- 975-7740 to register. Limited seating.
Marietta 13th Annual Veterans Day Parade
November 11, 11am Roswell Street Baptist Church 774 Roswell Street, Marietta The parade begins at Roswell Street Baptist Church, and ends at Marietta Square. The patriotic parade includes marching bands, drill teams, floats, military vehicles and veterans’ organizations. This year’s Grand Marshall is Colonel Mike Varicak, United States Marine Corps. After the parade, spectators are invited to listen to Grand Marshall Colonel Varicak key note speech at the center stage on the square. The parade will have both Marietta and Cobb County schools represented by their bands and their JROTC units. Thirty or more parade entries are anticipated along with a display of military vehicles. After the parade, spectators are invited to pay tribute to the men and women who have fought to keep during a ceremony on the Square at noon. This year’s Grand Marshall is Captain Ed Gallrein, United States Navy SEAL (retired).
Smyrna Veterans Day Ceremony
November 11, 11am 20th Century Veterans Memorial, adjacent to City Hall 2800 King Street, Smyrna The event is sponsored by The City of Smyrna, the Smyrna Veterans Committee, the Veterans Memorial Association of Smyrna, American Legion Post 160, and the Smyrna Rotary Club, Chick-fil-A and JWC Real Estate. Join in honoring the service of all United States military veterans who have served in times of war and conflict and in times of peace. Lt. General Steven Arnold, US Army (Ret) and Rear Admiral Robert P. Wright, US Navy (Ret) will be the guest speakers. Both have spent over 30 years in service to our country. This year’s ceremony stars Alvin Townley, best-selling author who risked everything on a dream when he embarked on a personal odyssey to discover stories of purpose, personal triumph, and adventure. His travels have taken him around the world. On these trips, he has uncovered inspiring stories of human spirit.
Acworth Veterans Day Ceremony
November 11, 2pm. Veterans Memorial at Patriots Point – Cauble Park 4425 Beach Street, Acworth The ceremony to honor veterans is held each year at the Veterans Memorial at Patriots Point in Cauble Park. Veterans and current servicemen give comments on what service to the country means to them. Engraved pavers dedicated to those who have served in the armed forces that have been purchased since the previous Memorial Day will be presented at the event. More info: www.acworthparksandrecreation.org.
Cobb Wind Symphony Veterans Day Concert
November 12, 3pm Lassiter Concert Hall 2601 Shallowford Road, Marietta Presented by the Cobb Wind Symphony, Conducted by Alfred Watkins and Assistant Conductor, Robert J. Cowles. Come and listen to your favorite patriotic tunes! Free. More info: www.cobbwindsymphony.org.
65th Annual Military Appreciation Luncheon
November 13, 11am Cobb Galleria Centre, Two Galleria Parkway SE, Atlanta Tickets: $55/person Local businesses, community members and military representatives salute our local military. The program includes a salute to fallen soldiers, recognition of military personnel, and the presentation of the 2017 USO Patriot Award. Keynote Speaker: Congressman Barry Loudermilk, U.S. Representative for Georgia’s 11th District. More info: Joel Blockton at 770-859-2334 or jblockton@cobbchamber.org.
