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Veterans Day events set for Wednesday
Rock Creek Veterans Park, Lakewood Baptist among those hosting events
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If you’re looking to honor those who served their country, you’ve got some options this Wednesday as local groups come together to show veterans support.

Veterans Day ceremonies kick off at 9 a.m. Wednesday with a memorial gathering at Rock Creek Veterans Park at 223 Northside Drive NW, Gainesville. Sponsored by the Rock Creek Vietnam Veterans, the event will exhibit a memorial that features about 300 bricks bearing the names of veterans from around Hall County who served.

Rock Creek Vietnam Veterans member Jerry Peck said there is still room for about 400 more bricks, and those interested in having their name or the names of loved ones included in the memorial can fill out a form during the event Wednesday morning and pay a $20 fee.

Other groups represented at the Rock Creek gathering include American Legion Post 7; Post 328; Rock Creek Vietnam Vets; Vietnam Veterans Post 772; DVA; and Korean War Veterans.

Later that morning, the annual Veterans Day at Lakewood Baptist starts at 11 a.m. The event features Riverside Military Academy cadets posting colors; the Chestatee High School band; the Maranatha Children’s Choir; and Jonathan Jackson, “the singing deputy sheriff.”

Event organizer Dave Dellinger said the American Legion-sponsored event will also include Col. James Benson, president of Riverside Military Academy, as keynote speaker. The Hall County Sheriff’s Office and Gainesville Police Department will perform Taps and a 21-gun salute.

Dellinger said “the whole community” is invited to attend.

Other events Wednesday include a gathering at the University of North Georgia Student Center in Gainesville, hosted by Student Veterans of North Georgia. It will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“These events are a chance for all of the veterans to get a little recognition for the community and thanks for what they did,” Dellinger said. “Memorial Day is to honor the vets who didn’t come home, and Veterans Day is to honor all the rest.”

In related news, the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission’s Workforce Development Career Coach will be at American Legion Post 328’s Stand Down Event, benefiting veterans and the local homeless community.

It’s scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 21 at St. John Baptist Church, 757 EE Butler Parkway, Gainesville.