From public school gymnasiums to town squares to churches, communities across north Georgia paid tribute to the men and women who served in the U.S. military on Veterans Day 2015.
Enjoy the photos in this gallery, some taken by AccessWDUN staff, but many submitted by our readers.
Georgia's First Lady speaks to Hall Co. students at Veterans Day ceremony
The Academies of Discovery Campus saw nearly 1300 students fill the gym for the Second Annual World Language Academy Veteran’s Day Celebration.
Keynote speaker First Lady Sandra Deal issued the kindergarten through eighth graders a challenge to serve their country now by being the best students they could be.
“My challenge to you,” said Deal, a retired educator herself, “go home, practice your reading, practice your math. That is the best tribute you can pay to our veterans.”
She said that some day many of them would have the chance to serve their country in the military and that they needed to be prepared for that day by being good students today.
“You’re too young yet to serve but you can show your appreciation for those that have served,” Mrs. Deal encouraged. “You can say ‘Thank you’ to the veterans.”
Following the ceremony, a “missing man formation” flyover and a “walk of honor” capped off the celebration.
Lula honors veterans with songs, prayers and thanks
City of Lula officials, community members and students gathered at the Lula Veterans Park in the downtown area to celebrate veterans during a ceremony. Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch was the keynote speaker. He talked about the veterans in his life that inspired him, including his father.
"Veterans Day is very near and dear to my heart," said Couch. "My dad served in the U.S. Army in Korea, and he will always be my greatest hero. My uncle served in Vietnam and I had a great-uncle that served in World War II."
"We need to be - not just on Veterans Day - we need to be mindful and thank our veterans each and every day. Without our veterans, we wouldn't have what we have today in this country," Couch said.
After the ceremony, which featured the presentation of the colors and taps, as well as two singers and a medley of patriotic songs, veterans were encouraged to line up so everyone could shake their hands and say thank you.
Georgia congressman pays tribute to veterans in his hometown
Ninth District Congressman Doug Collins, a Republican from Gainesville, started his day paying tribute to veterans at the annual ceremony at Rock Creek Park just off the downtown Gainesville square.
"We did not get here from nothing. Whatever we have now - freedoms and really just the community that exists - is based on those who are willing to serve," said Collins.
The congressman is a veteran, serving as a Chaplain in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.
