Atlanta communities honor nation’s bravest on Veterans Day

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Metro Atlanta communities are marking Veterans Day with ceremonies, tributes and gatherings that honor the service and sacrifice of the nation’s heroes.

There are several free events happening Wednesday around Atlanta:

Fulton County

In Atlanta, the Atlanta History Center hosts its annual Veterans Day Commemoration Ceremony at 11 a.m. in Veterans park on its campus on Paces Ferry Road.

Among the programming in store is a book signing, an Atlanta Opera performance, guided tours of Veterans Park, and other activities recognizing 250 years of American independence.

Sandy Springs is hosting its annual Veterans Day Tribute at 11:30 a.m. in Byers Theatre at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center.

The free event includes a keynote by decorated Vietnam veteran and advocate Tommy clack, the North Springs High School JROTC Color Guard and music by the Sandy Springs Middle School Choir.

In Roswell, an Honor Walk and ceremony starts at 8:30 a.m. at Roswell Area Park Pond.

DeKalb County

Brookhaven is holding its Veterans Day ceremony at 9 a.m at Brookhaven City Centre. It features a formal presentation of colors by the Brookhaven Police Honor Guard, a tribute to veterans and activities for children.

Dunwoody’s Veterans Day ceremony begins at 10 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Plaza in Brook Run Park. The free event is hosted by Dunwoody Parks & Recreation with support from VFW Post 10822 and the Dunwoody Woman’s Club.

The featured speaker is Dunwoody resident and Vietnam War veteran Arthur “Art” Katz, a U.S. Coast Guard Academy Hall of Heroes inductee.

Gwinnett County

Gwinnett County is holding its annual Veterans Day ceremony beginning at 11 a.m. at the Fallen Heroes Memorial on 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville.

The free event features a Veterans March, honor guard activities and remarks from county officials and a keynote by retired U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Dr. Danial Kaufman.

Cobb County

In Smyrna, the Veterans Day ceremony includes a time capsule (to be opened in 2051) that will be dedicated at Veterans Memorial Park.

On Saturday, the 12th annual Veterans Memorial 5K will take place in Marietta. The event includes a 5K race with run/walk/wheelchair divisions on Marietta Square.