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Veterans of World War II, Korea, Vietnam and more recent conflicts gathered in parks and schools Nov. 11 to be honored and applauded and to remember other veterans.
“Stop for a moment and give a silent thanks for those who have served,” veteran Robert Hopkins told the crowd gathered near the Veterans Memorial in Dunwoody for the city’s Veterans Day Memorial Service. “Or better, give that vet a hug.”
Bill Nichols, a World War II veteran, and Bob Kunzler, a Vietnam era veteran, welcomed the notice provided by Dunwoody’s ceremony. “Every community should have one of these,” Kunzler said. “Every one.”
Sandy Springs held its first Veterans Day Ceremony, bringing active soldiers from the Georgia National Guard’s 48th Infantry Brigade to join veterans at Morgan Falls Overlook Park. Four guardsmen were honored for their service in Afghanistan. Their units returned in August.
Several hundred people attended to honor the veterans. A retired general spoke. The U.S. Army Ground Forces Band played.
At St. Martin’s Episcopal School in Brookhaven, students made a living flag onstage to honor the ideals of the U.S. and the soldiers who defended them.
In Dunwoody, retired Brig. Gen Denis Shortal, a member of the Dunwoody City Council, marshalled the program as more than 100 residents, veterans and police officers listened to speeches and music.
In the audience, John Brach said he was pleased to be among veterans in Dunwoody. An Army veteran, Brach wore an Airborne cap bearing the slogan, “Will fight for freedom.”
–Joe Earle & Jason Massad