Residents can thank former members of the U.S. armed forces for their service Sunday by attending the nonprofit Heritage Sandy Springs’ second Veterans Salute Concert and Tribute program.
The event will start with a musical slice of Americana served up on banjo, fiddle and bass by a Dalton-based trio of civilians.
“Lonesome Redwing will perform a mix of bluegrass, country and folk hits,” Kimberly Brigance, the nonprofit’s director of historic resources, said in a statement. “Influenced by artists such as Emmylou Harris, Hank Williams and Alison Krauss, band members include Kathy Reed, Susan Gascho and Russell Weeks.”
A division of the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps will carry on a military tradition with a patriotic ceremony.
“Following the concert, North Springs Charter High School JROTC and Sandy Springs Masonic Lodge No. 124 will present the traditional color guard for all five branches of the military,” Ms. Brigance said about a salute to the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines and Navy.
Vietnam War veteran Tommy Clack, a state Veterans Service manager in Rockdale County, will speak about the importance of Veterans Day.
“We will be enhancing the acknowledgement and accolades of what veterans do for America and what a great asset they are,” Clack said. “Freedom isn’t free, and they gave it to us.”
At one of the event’s exhibits, Ms. Brigance will encourage service men and women to add to the nation’s archives.
“In partnership with the Library of Congress, [we are] collecting stories, photos and memorabilia from the Revolutionary War to the present,” she said. “If you would like to share your memories or contribute information about a veteran, stop by the oral history information table. Within a few weeks, a volunteer will contact you to arrange a recorded interview.”
Besides helping civilians understand the wartime experience, Ms. Brigance said the event also gives them a chance to honor the warriors.
“Veterans embody the values and virtues of our communities,” she said. “We should honor and thank them at every opportunity.”
If you go:
What: Veterans Salute Concert and Tribute
When: 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday
Where: Sandy Springs Society Entertainment Lawn at Heritage Green, 6110 Bluestone Road
Cost: Free
Information: (404) 851-9111 ext. 200 or visit www.heritagesandysprings.org