Veterans Day is a time for Americans to pay their respects to those who have served. For one day, we stand united in respect for our veterans. This holiday started as a day to reflect upon the heroism of those who died in our country’s service and was originally called Armistice Day. It fell on Nov. 11 because that is the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. However, in 1954, the holiday was changed to “Veterans Day” in order to honor veterans in all wars. The following is a list of local special events celebrating our veterans:
>United Military Care presents, “Give Thanks For Those Who Served”. On Saturday, Nov. 6, from 11am -3pm, at the East Cobb Park, the public is welcome to honor military veterans, enjoy military re-enactors, and music from the 40s thru the 70s. There will also be kids’ activities and free food.
>The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Georgia Department of Veteran Services and Cobb County Government invite you to join them as they honor female veterans 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6, at Jim R. Miller Park, 2245 Callaway Rd., Marietta. Veteran services providers, COVID-19 vaccination clinic and Cobb County Animal Services Pet Adoption Trailer (adoption fee waived for Veterans) will be there!
The Georgia Veterans Day Association will present the 40th Annual Georgia Veterans Day Parade near the Battery Atlanta to honor veterans and active-duty military. The parade, starting at 1 p.m. Nov. 6, will be along circle 75 to Battery Avenue. For 2021, the Georgia Veterans will pay special honors to the Infantry from the United States Army Infantry and United States Marine Corps. There will also be a Veterans Festival at The Battery Atlanta with exhibits. 
>Banks, courthouses, government buildings, and many schools will be closed on Nov.11, so you may have some free time that day to attend the annual Veterans Day Parade. The City of Marietta and the Kiwanis Club of Marietta will hold the 17th Annual Veterans Day Parade on Thursday, Nov. 11 at Marietta Square. The parade will begin at the Roswell Street Baptist Church at 11 a.m. and proceed towards the Marietta Square and back down Lawrence Street. Four female veterans who served in the armed forces during WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the most recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will share their experiences and memories while serving.
Congresswoman Lucy McBath will be having the next Vietnam Pinning Ceremony for Vietnam War veterans virtually on Monday, Nov. 29 at 2:30 p.m. Her office is currently seeking eligible Sixth District Vietnam War-era veterans to be honored at this ceremony. Each participating veteran or family member will be honored with a commemorative lapel pin and certificate of special recognition as a token of the nation’s gratitude.
To sign up to be honored, eligible veterans must complete an application no later than Sunday, Oct. 31 by clicking here. A full list of eligibility criteria is also available on this webpage. Please note that this ceremony is only open to eligible residents of Georgia’s Sixth Congressional District.
