Veterans Day, celebrated this year on Monday, November 12, 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 9 • 12pm
Ben Robertson Community Center
2753 Watts Drive • Kennesaw
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 All veterans and active military service members are invited to attend. No identification will be required. More info: www.kennesaw-ga.gov.

Heroes: Remembering the Sacrifice
November 9 • 5-8pm
Old Towne Athletic Club
4950 Olde Towne Parkway • Marietta/East Cobb
The East Cobb Ys are honoring veterans with an evening of guest speakers, music, dinner and fellowship. Free for Veterans and family of those that served. Register: 678-569-9622.

Marietta 14th Annual Veterans Day Parade
November 10 • 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 Brig. Gen. Tom Blackstock, commander of the 78th Troop Command of the Georgia Army National Guard. After the parade, spectators are invited to listen to Grand Marshall Brig. Gen. Tom Blackstock key note speech at the center stage on the square. 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 12 Noon. More info: www.mariettaga.gov.

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. This year’s keynote speaker is Commissioner Bob Weatherford. More info: www.acworthparksandrecreation.org.

Smyrna Veterans/Armistice Day Ceremony
November 11 • 2pm
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, 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. www.smyrnaga.gov.

Cobb Wind Symphony Veterans Day Concert
November 11 • 3pm
Lassiter Concert Hall
2601 Shallowford Road • Marietta/East Cobb
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.

Veterans Day Salute
November 11 • 3pm
Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre
117 N Park Square • Marietta
Tickets: $10/general; Free/Veterans; $25/VIP; $15/VIP Veterans (VIP includes a copy of the movie and reception prior to the event.)
The Big Chicken Chorus, the Marietta Daily Journal, and The Strand have come together to present a program celebrating and honoring the members of our armed forces with a program of patriotic music, a screening of Memories of War documentary, and a live Question & Answer with local WWII veterans. More info/tickets: www.earlsmithstrand.org.

66th Annual Military Appreciation Luncheon
November 13 • 11am
Cobb Galleria Centre
Two Galleria Parkway SE • Atlanta
Tickets: $60/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 2018 USO Patriot Award. Keynote Speaker: Major General Craig L. La Fave, 22nd Air Force, Air Force Reserve Command at Dobbin Air Reserve Base. More info: Joel Blockton at jblockton@cobbchamber.org.

This article originally appeared in the November issue of EAST COBBER, on page 30. Click here to view the digital edition.